How much LEFT/RIGHT caster variance is OK? I am being told I need a new control arm

M_R

Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2012
Location
Toronto
TDI
2010 Golf TDI Wagon Highline
Just returned from an alignment appointment for my 2015 tdi Golf Sportwagon and am being told that due to a variance between my left and right caster measurements, it is likely that my left control arm is bent and will need to be replaced. No visual damage/bend is noticeable.

I am aware that there is no stock caster adjustment and I am not an alignment specialist, could somebody let me know if my left/right castor variance of 0.65 is problematic and needs to be addressed? if so, is a control arm replacement the only way to correct it. Both caster measurements are withing the acceptable range but are off by .65 degrees from each other

CASTER Min-Max 7.07-8.07
Caster Left 7.78
Caster Right 7.13

If the variance needs to be addressed, is there cheaper aftermarket options to make the caster adjustable rather then spending $440 (CAD) for a control arm and the 2 hours labor to replace it?

Thanks you in advance!!

Matthew


Sorry having difficulty posting the photo of alignment measurements using the forum tools. the photo can be seen HERE
 

thundershorts

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Location
west chester pa
TDI
2015 passat tdi sel premium 2015 golf s tdi gls tdi b5.5, 2002 eurovan,Peugeot 505 td,Citroen cx25 prestige
have the alignment shop set toe to zero, then look at castor angles. most likely they will be a lot closer than they are now. your wagon will also feel better and steering will be more responsive. you should not need any further adjustment or part replacement.
 

thundershorts

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Location
west chester pa
TDI
2015 passat tdi sel premium 2015 golf s tdi gls tdi b5.5, 2002 eurovan,Peugeot 505 td,Citroen cx25 prestige
It would help if you posted all the alignment readings both front and rear.
 

thundershorts

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Location
west chester pa
TDI
2015 passat tdi sel premium 2015 golf s tdi gls tdi b5.5, 2002 eurovan,Peugeot 505 td,Citroen cx25 prestige
Sailor, you're right in both cases. It doesn't look like they did much of anything. As I've said before, set toe to zero, that way you have a relavent starting point. Rear didn't look that bad, its a little better than mine and you really can't do a heck of a lot with it anyway. I agree that unless that shop will do something for the op, such as set front toe to zero and print out the after readings, it might be wise to find another alignment shop who will. I'll bet a nickel that the front geometry will look much better if total toe is zero . the thrust angle will be zero or very close to it.
 
Top