Why is an Offset Control Arm Bushing better?

#1

Clearly the offset bushing is more popular then the OEM centered style. Ok, so the offset control arm bushing pushes the rear of the control arm outboard maybe 3/4"…but what effect does this have on the suspension?

Later edit:
Hmm. I may have answered my own question. Does this seem right to you…?

The offset bushing increases caster. The most important impact to us is how caster impacts camber on a turned wheel. Apparently additional caster means that when you turn a wheel, it takes on more (neg) camber then it had when it was straight. So you get additional camber right when you need it.

Igor was writing his response below as I wrote my edit above. So maybe the answer I pieced together doesn’t apply to our suspension design?

#2

With offset ctrl arm bushing castor angle is changed (increased in your example above). There will also be tiny tiny change in steering angle inclination (SAI) as a result, but for SE30 purposes that change is a non-factor. Common misconception, on some other boards is that offset ctrl arm bushing changes camber on our cars (we have MacPherson front suspension ) but it doesn’t - for camber we have ‘camber plates’

Regards,
Igor

#3

Igor, can you elaborate? I accept that SAI is a non-issue but which are you saying about camber?:

  1. Camber is unchanged under all conditions.
    or
  2. Camber is changed under some conditions, like turning.

Anyone else going to weigh in?

#4

Ranger wrote:

I am saying that changing to an offset control arm bushing will not gain you camber.

Regards,
Igor