Went to dealer for alignment. The tech wrote on the invoice "caster maxed out, may pull to the right." What does this mean? ANything I need to do to in this situation?

Caster (like camber, tow-in) is one of the possible adjustments done while performing a wheel alignment.
Caster is the angle of the steering axis in relation to an imaginary vertical line through the center of the wheel when viewed from the side.
When "maxed-out", it means the ideal adjustment can not be performed due some defects in the steering/suspension components (crushed bushing, rusted bolts, modified suspension settings, non-stock springs, raised back end,)
When maxed-out, you car will have the tendency to wonder from side to side, crawl like a snake, steering will not come back to center after a turn and directional stability will be compromised.

So what model is it and what the numbers - actuals and specs, and how does the car drive?

Duke

He probably needs a front end rebuild. Clunking, is it?

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Its a 2002 CL600, with 44k miles. It doesn't clunk, but it "shimmys" when hits a bump or uneven road.

Thanks for all the posts. From your posts it seems that I should take this to a tech and get it check out again.

Generally,

The tech should give you a copy of the alignment which has the range of acceptible values- and your car before and after.

He should inspect the suspension prior to attempting alignment- if something is broken or worn, it needs to be fixed prior to alignment.

I believe Aussiebenz is a dealer alignment tech- I wrote him back about a dozen times and now have a better understanding of my car. He was a huge help in my trying to diagnios what I didn't like about the alignment-even though it was within spec ...

I'm guessing if the car's adjusments are not centered as a starting place- it's possible to get out of range on a side. That sounds classically like NTB alignment techs- If they can't fix it with a turn of a toe adjustment,the car is damaged... and please pay us anyhow. Wow if we get paid full price for less work- why would anybody try and do it right??


Sorry for the rant- had many bad experiences with them.

Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E