Understanding Camber and Caster in Karting
- When cornering, your chassis will flex, and the weight of the kart will load onto the outside wheels. Running negative camber will give you more grip through corners.
- If you set the camber to a positive setting, the kart will grip less when turning into corners. Rear of the kart will be planted on the exit of the corner, and you can accelerate earlier and faster out of the corner.
Significance of Caster and Camber
- Caster is necessary for kart performance. It enables the inside tire to lift when cornering, essential for turning the kart.
- Camber influences the grip level of the front end of the kart.
Optimizing Camber and Caster Settings
- Making camber adjustments changes the grip and contact patch of the tire.
- Increasing caster gives more rear hike and can affect stability through the corner.
Importance of Wheel Alignment and Setup
- Wheel alignment is crucial for go-kart performance, safety, and tire wear. It involves adjusting camber, caster, and toe angles.
Determining the Right Camber for Cornering
- When cornering, running negative camber can provide more grip through corners.
- It’s generally agreed that positive camber offers stability, while negative camber allows for faster cornering.