Pinpoint Test E: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
- E1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
- E2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
- Yes : GO to E3.
- No : The concern has been corrected.
- E3 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 E4.
- No : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
- E4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
- Yes : GO to E5.
- No : INSTALL new steering gear mounts. REFER to POWER STEERING .
- E5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the Steering Gear Valve component test. Refer to COMPONENT TESTS .
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
- Yes : GO to E6.
- No : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .
- E6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR SUSPENSION .
- Are the suspension components OK?
- Yes : GO to E7.
- No : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR SUSPENSION .
- E7 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 the correct frame alignments. REFER to FULL FRAME AND BODY MOUNTING .
- No : ADJUST the alignment angles to specification. DO NOT exceed the specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.