AirSpeed VW Community Forums

Technical => Chassis & Suspension Forum => Topic started by: silas on May 26, 2006, 09:43:22 PM

Title: Installing Caster Shims
Post by: silas on May 26, 2006, 09:43:22 PM

does anyone have any tricks that will help ease the procedure?

will stock beam mounting bolts work with one set of shims? does the beam have to come right off the car or can you back out the bolts far enough and support the beam with a floor jack and slide the shims in? does the steering box have to be removed?

any advice or input is appreciated.

cheers.

Title: Installing Caster Shims
Post by: Bruce on May 27, 2006, 02:27:32 AM

It's not that difficult.  Just jack the car up and put the stand under the frame head.  Loosen the bolts enough to pry the beam away from the frame head with your biggest screwdriver so you can put the shims in there.  Tighten the bolts.
You don't need longer bolts when you use only one set of shims.

Title: Installing Caster Shims
Post by: kirin on May 27, 2006, 09:16:12 AM

Hey Silas,
From what I remember when I did the beam in my car it was fairly easy. Can't remember how many shims I used but I'm sure I still used the stock bolts. Something to think about is if you can't get the shims to stay in place(have them slide down or out or whatever) maybe glue them in with some RTV or something. Thats what I did...
HTH

Title: Installing Caster Shims
Post by: silas on May 27, 2006, 04:14:36 PM

Quote

It's not that difficult.  Just jack the car up and put the stand under the frame head.  Loosen the bolts enough to pry the beam away from the frame head with your biggest screwdriver so you can put the shims in there.  Tighten the bolts.
You don't need longer bolts when you use only one set of shims.

thanks bruce. i appreciate the speedy response. that is exactly how i imagined it should be done, i just wanted to make sure there were no surprises to look forward to.

Title: Installing Caster Shims
Post by: jim martin on May 27, 2006, 04:30:43 PM

your welcome to do it up here if you need to

Title: Installing Caster Shims
Post by: silas on May 27, 2006, 04:55:35 PM

Quote

your welcome to do it up here if you need to

thanks jim. i may take you up on that offer. i've got to get some wheels balanced and some drop spindles built, then i should be ready. i'll give you a ring tomorrow.