# How To Adjust Front Caster Angle On Your New Wheelchair

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGM1tTLcpFI
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/BGM1tTLcpFI
Generated: 2025-11-11T22:11:22.762+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The caster angle on a wheelchair is adjusted by loosening the 3/4-inch bolt on the caster assembly using a 3/4-inch wrench, ensuring the caster remains perpendicular (square) to the ground using a speed square or straight edge, and then tightening the bolt back up, a process that does not affect other chair measurements.

**Key Points:**
- Caster angle adjustment requires the caster to be perfectly square (perpendicular) to the ground for proper rolling.
- The adjustment process involves loosening the 3/4-inch bolt located on the caster assembly using a 3/4-inch wrench.
- A speed square or any tool with a hard 90-degree angle is used to verify the wheel is straight relative to the ground.
- Loosening the bolt should only be enough to allow the caster to move, not so much that the spacers touch the caster housing.
- The caster angle adjustment only affects the caster's alignment and does not impact other chair measurements like seat height or center of gravity.
- The procedure must be repeated for every caster on the wheelchair to ensure consistent alignment.

![Screenshot at 01:23: Demonstrating the exact bolt location \(the vertical bolt\) that needs to be loosened on the caster assembly using a 3/4-inch wrench for angle adjustment.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BGM1tTLcpFI/00-01-23.png)

**Context:** This instructional video provides a step-by-step guide on how to properly adjust the caster angle for a specific model of wheelchair, likely featuring an updated caster design that allows for this adjustment. The presenter, wearing a cowboy hat and black t-shirt, kneels down next to the chair to demonstrate the precise mechanical procedure required to ensure the front casters roll straight.

## Detailed Analysis

The video instructs users on adjusting the caster angle on their wheelchair to ensure the wheels roll straight, which is important if the chair has hit a curb or rock and bent the caster back, or if the user simply needs to re-square them. The necessary tools include a 3/4-inch wrench and a tool with a hard 90-degree angle, such as a speed square. The first step is to use the 3/4-inch wrench to loosen the main bolt on the caster assembly; the bolt should only be loosened enough so that the spacers inside are no longer touching the caster housing, allowing movement but preventing them from falling out. Next, the user places the 90-degree tool (like a speed square) against the flat side of the caster wheel and the ground, ensuring the square's edge is perfectly parallel to the chair frame and perpendicular to the ground. Once the wheel is visually square against the tool, the user tightens the bolt back up while holding the square in place to maintain the correct alignment. The presenter notes that adjusting the caster angle will not affect other chair measurements, such as seat height or center of gravity, because the adjustment is localized to the caster assembly. This process must be repeated for all casters to achieve straight rolling performance.

### Caster Angle Adjustment Rationale

- Caster angle must be square to the ground
- Adjustment prevents poor rolling after impacts (curb/rock)
- Adjustment does not affect seat height or center of gravity

### Required Tools

- 3/4-inch wrench
- A tool with a hard 90-degree angle (speed square or straight edge)
- 6mm Allen key (used for the bolt on the updated caster design)

### Adjustment Procedure

- Loosen the 3/4-inch bolt on the caster assembly using the 3/4-inch wrench, only loosening enough for movement, not allowing spacers to touch the caster housing
- Use the square tool against the flat side of the caster and the ground to ensure 90-degree perpendicularity
- Hold the square in place and tighten the bolt back up
- Repeat for all casters

![Screenshot at 00:04: Presenter introducing the topic while kneeling beside the mobility device.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BGM1tTLcpFI/00-00-04.png)
![Screenshot at 00:48: Presenter holding up the required 3/4-inch open-end wrench.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BGM1tTLcpFI/00-00-48.png)
![Screenshot at 00:52: Presenter displaying the speed square used to check for 90-degree alignment.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BGM1tTLcpFI/00-00-52.png)
![Screenshot at 01:18: Close-up view of the caster mechanism and the bolt to be adjusted.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BGM1tTLcpFI/00-01-18.png)
![Screenshot at 01:51: Demonstration of using the 6mm Allen key to loosen the bolt on the updated caster design.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BGM1tTLcpFI/00-01-51.png)
![Screenshot at 02:33: Using the speed square to check if the caster wheel is perpendicular to the ground.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BGM1tTLcpFI/00-02-33.png)
![Screenshot at 03:08: Tightening the bolt while maintaining the correct angle using the square.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BGM1tTLcpFI/00-03-08.png)
![Screenshot at 03:35: Close-up showing the caster wheel alignment on a carpeted floor.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/BGM1tTLcpFI/00-03-35.png)