Steering Links, Ackermann & Bump steer

Adjustment of the inner steering links forwards or backwards changes the Ackermann angle which controls how much the car’s toe angle changes as the wheels are turned either direction.  Most cars are set up so that the toe-in angle decreases (toe-out increases) as the wheels are turned in either direction. Depending on the car, this adjustment can be made by:

• Using a different hole for the ball stud either on the rack (inside) or the steering arm (outside)
• Changing the number of spacers at the rack (inside). This only applies when the ball stud is horizontal - if it is vertical, the spacers control bump steer.

Lower Ackermann angle (links straighter)

• More on-power steering
• Decreases toe-out when wheels are turned

Higher Ackermann angle

• More off-power steering
• Increases toe-out when wheels are turned
  

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Bump steer is adjusted by changing the vertical angle of the steering links, either at the inside (rack) or at the outside (steering arm.). Bump steer is the change in a car’s toe angle as the suspension compresses.  If you change camber link locations, toe-in, or kick-up, you may need to re-adjust bump steer to keep the handling characteristics consistent.

Less bump steer

• Increases toe-in (decreases toe-out) when suspension is compressed

More bump steer

• Decreases toe-in (increases toe-out) when suspension is compressed

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