Caster Rods

Caster Rods & Tension Rods

Caster rods, also called tension rods, locate the lower control arm fore and aft. That position sets caster and controls how much the arm deflects under braking. Adjustable and high-angle versions let you correct caster on lowered or drift-spec cars and increase steering angle. They also replace the soft factory rod bushings that allow the front geometry to move under load.

This range is part of our Suspension category and features HARDRACE rods in pillow ball and hardened rubber versions.

Shop by Product Type

Front tension/caster rods (pillow ball): For the Nissan Silvia, 180SX and 200SX (S13, S14, S15), Skyline GTS-T (R32, R33, R34), Cefiro (A31), Skyline (C10) and 240Z (S30). Also for the Toyota MR2 (SW20), Sprinter Trueno and Levin (AE86), Chaser and Mark II (JZX90, JZX100), and the Lexus IS200 and IS300 (XE10), GS (JZS160) and SC (Z40).
Front high-angle tension/caster rods (pillow ball): For the Nissan Silvia, 180SX and 200SX (S13, S14/S15). V3 versions also cover the Skyline GTS-T (R32, R33/R34) and Cefiro (A31). A forged body version is listed for the S13.
Heavy duty tension/caster rods: Available in hardened rubber or pillow ball for Nissan Skyline, Silvia, 180SX, 200SX and Cefiro applications.
Hardened rubber front tension/caster rods: For the Nissan Skyline GTS-T (R32, R33, R34), Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34) and Stagea (WC34).
Caster arms (pillow ball): Front caster arms and front/rear adjustable caster arms for the Porsche 911 (996/997) and Boxster (986/987).

Related suspension parts:

Browse all brands we stock.

Choosing the Right Part

Confirm your chassis code. Rods are specific to the chassis. For example, S13 rods are listed separately from S14/S15 rods. R32 rods are often grouped with the S13 and Cefiro (A31), while R33/R34 rods are often grouped with the S14/S15. Check that your exact chassis appears in the product title.
Skyline GT-R and Stagea. Only some listings include the GT-R or the Stagea (WC34). Make sure your model is named in the title before ordering.
Pillow ball or hardened rubber. Pillow ball rods replace the factory rod bushing with a spherical joint. Hardened rubber versions use a firmer bushing than the soft factory item.
Standard or high angle. High-angle rods are designed to increase steering angle. They suit drift-spec Silvia, 180SX, 200SX and Skyline builds.
Heavy duty versions are listed for selected Nissan applications.
Finish. Some rods are offered in a black finish as a separate listing.

Installation & What You'll Need

Installation by a professional is recommended. Replacing or adjusting caster rods changes your front-end geometry, so have a wheel alignment carried out afterwards. If you are also changing camber or toe, consider camber arms or toe arms at the same time.

FAQ

What does a caster rod do?
It locates the lower control arm fore and aft. This sets caster and controls arm deflection under braking.

Are tension rods and caster rods the same part?
Yes. On the cars in this range the same rod is called a tension rod or a caster rod, which is why the products are listed as tension/caster rods.

Why choose a high-angle rod?
High-angle rods are designed to increase steering angle. They suit drift-spec Silvia, 180SX, 200SX and Skyline builds.

Do I need a wheel alignment after fitting?
Yes. Caster rods change front-end geometry, so a wheel alignment is needed after installation.

Need help choosing? Contact our team at sales@chicaneaustralia.com.au.