Caster angle, 1939 14 saloon.

[ClaudeHarveyWalters]

I'm rebuilding the front suspension. Between the axle and spring there is a steel wedge which changes the caster angle depending on which way the wedge is fitted. I have measured the possibilities and found that with the thin edge of the wedge pointing to the rear of the vehicle the caster angle is 1.75 degrees positive and withe the thin end of the wedge pointing to the front of the vehicle the caster angle is 7.75 degrees positive. Which is correct? Is there anybody out there with a 1939 14 saloon who could accurately measure their caster angle and let me know what it is. I took lots of trouble to carefully photograph every thing as I dismantled things but with all the mud and oil I couldn't tell that the steel plate was wedge shaped let alone which way round it was mounted! Very many thanks in advance, looking forward to some sound advice.

[SHyslop]

I have two 14 saloons, both with the 1901cc engine. The first is one of the earliest made with this engine in 1938 and the second is 1946. I've just been out to check and both have the wedges tapering in thinness towards the rear of the car and both drive extremely well. I've also had a look at the other six cylinder I have as well and it's the same way round so that's three all pointing in the same direction.

[luli]

The wedge is clearly marked "front" to show the correct position.
However, due to sagging or other changes in the springs during the years, this wedge or its direction may change. Higher castor means harder steering but better self centering.

See more here:

https://lulis.org/2018/05/01/1-castor-take-two/

https://lulis.org/2019/11/26/castor-take-two-2/

watch here the result:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYm7XEi50y0

[ClaudeHarveyWalters]

Luli, Many thanks for your prompt reply. I've just poped out to have a look and there is 'FRONT' badly stamped on the thick end of the wedge. On one you can read NT and the other just a line of dashes which are the tops of the letters. I should have been able to work out the puzzle from the simple clues but I was too much of a Dumbo to see it. Again many thanks for your help, much appreciated.

[ClaudeHarveyWalters]

Mr. Hyslop, Many thanks to you for taking the trouble to get on your knees to check those annoying little wedges. I much appreciate your help and can now get on and reassemble the front suspension with confidence.