TR5/TR250 Steering Self Center

[glemon]

My TR250 has very weak to no return or self center for the steering. Nevertheless it tracks straight and things seem to be fine with the front suspension and steering other than that.

I have adjusted toe in and camber with fairly simple but accurate home made tools, but not sure how to measure caster. So couple of questions.

Is the vere weak self centering normal for 4A-6? I should mention I have wide (205/60) tires and 1/4" spacers on the front wheels.

Second, some forums have suggested there is not an easy way to adjust caster on these cars. Wouldnt swapping a lower a arm shim from front to back on the suspension mounts on both sides adjust caster?

Thanks in advance for any experience/input.

 

[poolboy]

It might be inadequate backlash between the pinion and the rack. When I was adjusting mine, one less .005" shim under the damper cap put enough of a bind between the two to keep the wheels from recentering after a turn..

 

[glemon]

Thanks, I didn't touch the rack other than lubing it when I redid the car so worth checking out. Greg

 

[sp53]

I know little about a tr250 suspension other than general stuff, but I did put some wide tires on a tr3 once and did more damage than good, but again they do not have rack steering and suggest a very skinny tire.

 

[glemon]

It is the same as 4A and 6, so yeah, rack and piniond and different than TR2-4. But yeah, I think the wide wheels and tires make a difference. I generally like the feel of an old sports car on skinny tires better than wider, with a stock suspension the steering is easier and the car starts to slide earlier before you get all sorts of load and lean of the car beyond what the car feels comfortable with.

But my car is modified a bit and I need the extra grip to keep up with the stinkin Miatas at the Autocross.