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The Subaru BRZ is a popular sports car known for its agile handling and responsive steering. To enhance its performance on the road or track, adjusting the camber, caster, and toe settings can make a significant difference. This article will guide you through the process of adjusting these critical alignment angles to improve your BRZ’s handling characteristics.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the adjustments, it’s essential to understand what camber, caster, and toe are and how they affect your vehicle’s handling:
- Camber: The angle of the wheels in relation to the ground when viewed from the front. Negative camber can improve cornering grip.
- Caster: The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side. Positive caster enhances straight-line stability.
- Toe: The angle of the wheels in relation to the centerline of the vehicle. Toe-in can improve stability, while toe-out can enhance responsiveness.
Tools Needed
To adjust the camber, caster, and toe on your BRZ, you’ll need the following tools:
- Jack and jack stands
- Torque wrench
- Alignment tool or string alignment kit
- Camber/caster gauge
- Basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets, etc.)
Adjusting Camber
To adjust the camber on your BRZ, follow these steps:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and ensure it is secure.
- Loosen the bolts on the top of the strut assembly.
- Use a camber gauge to measure the current camber angle.
- Adjust the camber by moving the top of the strut in or out as needed.
- Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings.
- Re-measure the camber to ensure it is within the desired range.
Adjusting Caster
Caster adjustments are typically more complex but can be done with the right tools:
- Measure the existing caster angle using a caster gauge.
- To increase positive caster, adjust the strut’s rear mounting point if possible.
- Ensure that the adjustments do not interfere with the suspension travel.
- Tighten all bolts and re-check the caster angle.
Adjusting Toe
Adjusting toe is generally simpler and can be done as follows:
- Measure the current toe angle using an alignment tool.
- To adjust toe-in or toe-out, loosen the tie rod end lock nuts.
- Turn the tie rod ends to achieve the desired toe setting.
- Tighten the lock nuts to secure the tie rods in place.
- Re-measure toe to confirm the adjustments are correct.
Final Checks
After making all adjustments, it’s crucial to perform the following checks:
- Take the vehicle for a test drive to assess handling and stability.
- Re-check all alignment angles to ensure they are within specifications.
- Inspect the suspension components for any signs of wear or damage.
Conclusion
Adjusting the camber, caster, and toe on your Subaru BRZ can significantly enhance its handling characteristics. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a more responsive and stable driving experience. Always remember to consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific torque specifications and alignment settings.