Castor & Camber Not Adjustable On My Is250 F-Sport

[Argento]

Is it right that the castor and camber is not adjustable on my MY2011 IS250 F-Sport ?

A little bit of wear on the inside of tyres that have done 28k

Still 5mm all round (I know, not driving it hard enough!)

So I took it to my trusted Indie - using "Hawkeye" 4 wheel alignment kit.

He reports that toe-in was adjusted to within spec

But unable to adjust castor and camber?

Is that right?

If so, why do Lexus not allow adjustment?

Argento

[ChumpusRex]

That is correct. The IS only has adjustable toe.

Camber and caster need to be adjusted by replacing the bent parts, by installing shims on the suspension components or by replacing OEM components by adjustable ones.

This is pretty standard except for cars designed for the track.

[Argento]

ChumpusRex, thanks. That's of great comfort to me.

I've just started using this Indie.

I'm really pleased with them, and trust them.

<Camber and caster need to be adjusted by replacing the bent parts, by installing shims on the suspension components or by replacing OEM components by adjustable ones.>

Ouch!

Either of these three things looks expensive.

They gave me a print-out of the camber and caster readings.

Presumably, they were within tolerance so they decided not to install shims, right?

If you have the time, could I send you the print out via Personal Message/email ?

I've got a big "red" reading caster.

Should I be worried?

It's not clear to a non-techie like me!

Argento

[johnatg]

Actual caster values are not particularly important, as long as they are similar on each side of the car. If they aren't the car will pull to one side.

Caster primarily affects self centering of the steering and straight line stability, but both in a sort of continuous way so nothing terrible happens if it's different to that specified in the setting instructions. It is really something which is determined at the design stage of the suspension and steering.

[Argento]

johnatg, thanks for that.

I'll read it again, slowly. And inwardly digest <_<

I must admit I noticed no difference after the work was carried out.

It continues to run straight with hands of the wheel.

It definitely doesn't or has ever, pulled to one side.

My print-out readings for Caster were:

8.49' 7.02' 7.19' 7.19' 7.10' 8.49'

Sorry, I don't know how to format "degrees"

I've used "." e.g. 8.49 (8 degrees 49 minutes)

The figures in bold are printed in red on my print-out.

I don't know why, of course.

But is it maybe because they are close to the 7.19' tolerance? A warning/alert?

I have no idea.

But I'm sure these figures will mean something to you, and the other experts.

Argento

[toffee_pie]

Here is my print out from last year.

[johnatg]

Yeah - the print out from 'The Wheel Alignment Centre' doesn't even show caster.

And I would say Argento's figures are fine - pretty similar each side - not sure why there are three figures - maybe measurements at full lock left - centre - full lock right?

[toffee_pie]

Probably because they could not adjust caster?

[ChumpusRex]

The Hunter machines usually show each angle as 3 numbers

Minimum / Actual / Maximum

The numbers will be printed in red if out of range.

They show that Argeno's caster angle is marginally less than minimum specification on both sides, and pretty well balanced. Nothing really to worry about.

[Argento]

ChumpusRex, johnatg & toffee_pie, thanks for this input.

"They show that Argento's caster angle is marginally less than minimum specification on both sides, and pretty well balanced. Nothing really to worry about."

"And I would say Argento's figures are fine - pretty similar each side - ... ..."

I'm mightIly relieved. Thanks.

toffee_pie

Thanks for sharing that data with us.

I'll study it and try to increase my understanding.

ChumpusRex, re. "The Hunter machines usually show ........."

Are you saying that from the info I've posted, my alignment was done on Hunter machine?

Argento