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Pinpoint Test D: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

  1. D1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL  .
    • Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. .
    • Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
    • Does the vehicle drift/pull?  .
    1. Yes  : If vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, GO to D2.

      If vehicle pulls in original direction, GO to  D3.

    2. No  : Concern has been corrected.
  2. D2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR  .
    • Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. .
    • Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
    • Does the vehicle drift/pull?  .
    1. Yes  : GO to D3.
    2. No  : Concern has been corrected.
  3. D3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT  .
    NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
    • Check the steering column and intermediate shaft for grounding.
    • Disconnect the steering column intermediate shaft at the steering column.
    • Inspect the steering column intermediate shaft U-joints for looseness or wear.
    • Are the steering column intermediate shaft universal joints OK?  .
    1. Yes  : GO to D4.
    2. No  : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
  4. D4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING  .
    • Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
    • Are the steering gear mounts OK?  .
    1. Yes  : GO to D5.
    2. No  : INSTALL new steering gear mounts. REFER to POWER STEERING .
  5. D5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR  .
    • Carry out the Steering Gear Valve component test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .
    • Is the steering gear valve OK?  .
    1. Yes  : GO to D6.
    2. No  : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .
  6. D6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS  .
    1. Yes  : GO to D7.
    2. No  : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT in Suspesion or REAR - EXCEPT COBRA or REAR - COBRA in Suspesion .
  7. D7 CHECK THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT  .
    NOTE: The vehicle will tend to pull toward the side with the least positive caster and the most positive camber.
    • Using a suitable alignment system, measure the wheel alignment settings. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES .
    • Are the alignment settings within specifications?  .
    1. Yes  : CHECK for correct frame alignments. .
    2. No  : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.