Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Kia Sorento V6-3.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Caster
CASTER
Caster is the tilting of the front steering axis (at the top) either forward or backward from the vertical. A backward tilt is "Positive" (+) and a forward tilt is "Negative" (-). Caster influences directional control of the steering but does not affect tire wear. Caster is affected by vehicle height, therefore it is important to keep the body at its designated height. Overloading the vehicle or a weak, sagging rear spring will affect the caster. When the rear of the vehicle is lower than its designated trim height, the front suspension moves to a less positive caster.
INSPECTION (CASTER)
1. Position the vehicle so that the front wheel is on the turning-radius gauge.
2. Remove the wheel cover.
3. Attach a standard caster gauge to the hub and measure the caster.
Caster:
3.30° ± 0.5° (No Passenger Load)
3.55° (2 Passenger Load)
ADJUSTMENT (CASTER)
1. Turn the front spindle clockwise until the number "1" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
2. Turn the rear spindle counter-clockwise until the number "1" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
Each numerical point indicated on the spindle increases the caster by 0.23 degrees when turned to the vertical line.
Caster is the tilting of the front steering axis (at the top) either forward or backward from the vertical. A backward tilt is "Positive" (+) and a forward tilt is "Negative" (-). Caster influences directional control of the steering but does not affect tire wear. Caster is affected by vehicle height, therefore it is important to keep the body at its designated height. Overloading the vehicle or a weak, sagging rear spring will affect the caster. When the rear of the vehicle is lower than its designated trim height, the front suspension moves to a less positive caster.
INSPECTION (CASTER)
1. Position the vehicle so that the front wheel is on the turning-radius gauge.
2. Remove the wheel cover.
3. Attach a standard caster gauge to the hub and measure the caster.
Caster:
3.30° ± 0.5° (No Passenger Load)
3.55° (2 Passenger Load)
ADJUSTMENT (CASTER)
1. Turn the front spindle clockwise until the number "1" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
2. Turn the rear spindle counter-clockwise until the number "1" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
Each numerical point indicated on the spindle increases the caster by 0.23 degrees when turned to the vertical line.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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