Pinpoint Test F: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
- F1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. Refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
- Yes
: If the vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, GO to F2.
If the vehicle pulls in original direction, GO to F3.
- No : The concern has been corrected.
- F2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
- Yes : GO to F3.
- No : The concern has been corrected.
- F3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
- 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 U-joints OK?
- Yes : GO to F4.
- No : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
- F4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
- Yes : GO to F5.
- No : INSTALL new steering gear mounts. REFER to POWER STEERING .
- F5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the Steering Gear Valve component test. REFER to STEERING GEAR VALVE .
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
- Yes : GO to F6.
- No : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .
- F6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X2 (4x2), FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 (4x4) or REAR SUSPENSION .
- Are the suspension components OK?
- Yes : GO to F7.
- No : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X2 (4x2), FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 (4x4) or REAR SUSPENSION .
- F7 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 SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are the alignment settings within specifications?
- Yes : CHECK for correct frame alignments. REFER to FRONT END BODY PANELS .
- No : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed the specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.