What is the name of the tool used for the caster alignment? Thanks

 

"corvette rear caster tool" but you'll also need an angle gauge to use it.

this has been discussed in at least two threads recently.

a member makes them: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ster-tool.html

they are otherwise readily available for cheap: https://www.hawksmotorsports.com/c7-...g-performance/

 

There is one for sale on the Forum:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ment-tool.html

 

I just had my 2017 C7 aligned and they told me it was their first. I dont think they had a caster tool. What is the outcome of that?

 

Without talking to them I would guess that they did NOT do the rear caster and just did front. Before I get an alignment done, I will make sure it is a shop that shows me the tool.

 

The outcome of that is your rear caster is likely not correct. Rear caster being misaligned can result in less stability in the rear of the car. It will not effect tire wear, but it can make the car very hard to control under certain conditions. You own a C7 Corvette which is a very high performance car. You don't want to sacrifice stability when you are driving it hard.

 

OP. Check your invoice. See if you were charged for front alignment or whether it was all around. If it wasn't all around, I suggest you ask them for a refund and go find some dealership that HAS the tool and the Corvette trained specialist that knows how to do it and watch him

 

If you don’t track your car or drive it particularly hard is the rear caster alignment really necessary? Thanks

 

Yes

 

I f you never track it or drive it hard or ever have to make a quick turn to avoid an accident, sure don't worry about it.

 

Alignment Machines Can Not Measure or Display Rear Rear Caster. If Rear Camber is adjusted Rear Caster will change so they will have to be adjusted together.

 

Is the Caster the last spec you adjust in the wheel alignment sequence?

 

No the last step is toe adjustment. Caster has to be set while adjusting camber. There are two cams on the lower control arms. Adjusting both out together increases negative camber. Adjusting the front cam inward and the rear cam outward increases positive caster.

And no you cannot just adjust the two cams exactly the same to prevent changing caster. First off because the the cams have a lot of slop in them. Second because even if you could move both cams exactly the same, caster would still change due to geometry of the suspension arms. Top ones are shorter and bottom ones are longer.

It is a very tedious process to get both caster and camber set where you want them. You get camber where you want and caster is off. Then you try to get caster right and don't end up where you want camber to be. Lots of back and forth rinse and repeat operations until you finally say "F it" - close enough....

Once you have caster and camber set where you want, then you can adjust toe which does not effect caster or camber but is changed when you adjust caster and camber.