Caster readings after alignment

[Ads22]

Hi there

Had my GTi aligned today on a Hunter System. Readings werent as bad as I hoped. Only required some toe adjustments as were just out of tolerance and the ride feels smoother and less choppy, unfortunately one tie rod had seized so extra labour was involved. Only query i have is involving the Caster figures which i understand is not adjustable on these.
Reading 7.08' LHS and 6.59' RHS so is outside spec. How would this translate to road and effect tyre wear, would there also be anything that i can inspect that may be causing this, no suspension knocking noises but sometimes i do get a small knocking noise at full lock to LHS.

[pudding]

Standard. It’s never the same on both sides on MK5s. Half a degree off won’t affect anything.

[Ads22]

Standard. It’s never the same on both sides on MK5s. Half a degree off won’t affect anything.

Thanks, looking at the specs, its just out of tolerance but apparently these run quite high castor anyway so i hear.

[ROH ECHT]

Yes, caster tolerance is 7.57° ±0.50°
...and cross caster is 0.00° ±0.50°

So you have a tiny bit less positive caster(below spec)...this will slightly decrease steering effort and straight line tracking, as well as reduce high speed stability, cornering effectiveness, and tire lean when cornering. Shouldn't be much of an issue with wear.

Knocking could be the CV joint...inspect sides and both boots that they aren't cracked and a loss of grease hasn't occurred. Likely will be the right side if knocks when wheels are turned left.

[pudding]

If the camber is equal on both sides, the caster should also equalise since they are directly connected.  The problem with these cars is the camber is always more negative on one side, which will tweak the caster accordingly.

[Ads22]

Yes, caster tolerance is 7.57° ±0.50°
...and cross caster is 0.00° ±0.50°

So you have a tiny bit less positive caster(below spec)...this will slightly decrease steering effort and straight line tracking, as well as reduce high speed stability, cornering effectiveness, and tire lean when cornering. Shouldn't be much of an issue with wear.

Knocking could be the CV joint...inspect sides and both boots that they aren't cracked and a loss of grease hasn't occurred. Likely will be the right side if knocks when wheels are turned left.

That would make sense, discovered ive got a torn cv boot on the RHS and there is some grease seeping through. Quite common on these apparently?