VW Caster Shims - Pair - Select Size

Caster Shims can be used on the front of VW Beetles, Karmann Ghias and Things to correct the front steering geometry. Caster is the the angle between the upper and the lower pivot point at the spindle. Ideally, on a vehicle without power steering, the upper pivot point will be about 4 degrees back from the lower pivot point. This allows the front steering to want to return to center (straight) without much if any assistance (as long as the toe-in is set correctly) and still allows the vehicle to be turned easily despite not having power steering. Steering may be easier with less caster, but at speed the car may feel unstable and unsafe to drive.

With an adjustable beam, the lower the suspension goes, and the more parallel, or past parallel with the pivot points above the beam, to the ground the trailing arms go, the worse the caster becomes. Caster shims help by installing in between the lower beam tube and the chassis and move the lower pivot point in front of the upper to help correct the caster angle. At the same time, the caster shims also lift the front suspension as they change the angle of the trailing arms in relation to the ground.

Ball Joint front ends have easily adjustable caster (and camber) with the upper ball joint eccentric cam but it can only be adjusted so far.

Caster shims aren't typically needed if the front end was lowered with drop spindles but if your steering seems to be twitchy or unstable, have an alignment shop check the front steering and suspension. Caster shims may be required to correct the alignment.

We offer the shims in 1.25, 2.6 (for years the standard), 4 and 5.25 degree thicknesses so fine tuning your VW steering and suspension is simple.

2.6 degree and thicker caster shims require longer front beam bolts as they push the beam away from the chassis. We offer 10 and 20mm longer front beam bolts if needed.

EMPI Part Numbers for Reference:
22-3017-0 - 1.25 Degree
22-2815-0 - 2.6 Degree
22-3019-0 - 4 Degree
22-3020-0 - 5.25 Degree