Pinpoint Test G: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
- G1 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?
Yes : If the vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, GO to G2 .
If the vehicle pulls in the original direction, GO to G3.
No : The concern has been corrected.
- G2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
Yes : GO to G3 .
No : The concern has been corrected.
- G3 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 G4 .
No : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
- G4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
Yes : GO to G5 .
No : INSTALL new steering gear mounts. REFER to POWER STEERING .
- G5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the STEERING GEAR VALVE component test.
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
Yes : GO to G6 .
No : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .
- G6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are the suspension components OK?
Yes : GO to G7 .
No : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR SUSPENSION .
- G7 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 specification?
Yes : CHECK for correct frame alignments. REFER to UNI-BODY SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING SYSTEM .
No : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.