Method and structure for adjusting caster or camber

A bushing assembly particularly configured to fit a cylindrical opening defined in a vehicle axle and suspension assembly member and to be located therein by at least one positioning lug defined adjacent the axle and suspension assembly member opening, the bushing assembly comprising,

• a substantially cylindrical bushing body defined around an inner axis, the lower portion of the bushing body being defined by a smooth, cylindrical surface, and the upper portion of the bushing body being defined by a hexagonal head configuration symmetrically disposed around an axis, an inner bore defined through the bushing body around an inner bore axis which is non-coincidental with the outer surface symmetrical axis and a circumferential groove defined around the bushing body at the hexagonal head portion thereof,
• an annular lock ring having a central opening defined by a plurality of indents, the indents being configured to engage the hex head portion of the bushing body in a number of angular relationships between the bushing body and lock ring, the lock ring further having around the outer periphery thereof a plurality of indentations each adapted and configured to receive the positioning lug of the axle and suspension assembly member, and
• a snap ring adapted to fit within the circumferential groove defined in the bushing body to secure the bushing body and lock ring together as the bushing assembly.

A method to correcting caster and camber misalignment in vehicles having a suspension system in which a wheel-carrying spindle member is ultimately supported through at least one ball joint supported in a suspension member having a positioning lug and including a bushing insert which receives the ball joint shaft, the method comprising,

• determining the misaligment between the spindle member and suspension members,
• selecting a bushing insert having an asymmetric bore appropriate to correct the misalignment and locating projection at a portion thereat,
• inserting the selected bushing insert in the suspension member with the ball joint shaft extending through the bushing insert,
• rotating the bushing insert within the suspension member to locate the asymmetric bore to correct the misalignment,
• positioning a lock ring on the bushing insert to engage both the locating projections on the bushing insert and the positioning lugs on the suspension member to preclude rotation of the bushing insert;
• and
• securing the lock ring and bushing insert into a single assembly.