Pinpoint Test 4: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

PINPOINT TEST 4 CHART - STEERING SYSTEM DRIFT/PULL/WANDER

PINPOINT TEST		PINPOINT TEST STEERING SYSTEM DRIFT/PULL/WANDER
STEP	INSPECTION		ACTION
1	CHECK FOR TIRE PULL Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. See WHEEL AND TIRE . Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road. Does the vehicle drift/pull?	Yes	If vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, go to next step. If vehicle pulls in original direction, go to step 3.
1		No	Concern has been corrected.
2	ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. See WHEEL AND TIRE . Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road. Does the vehicle drift/pull?	Yes	Go to next step.
2		No	Concern has been corrected.
3	CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. See CLOCKSPRING . 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?	Yes	Go to next step.
3		No	INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft. See STEERING COLUMN SHAFT .
4	CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear. Are the steering gear mounts OK?	Yes	Go to next step.
4		No	INSTALL new steering gear mounts. See STEERING GEAR - 2WD or see STEERING GEAR - 4WD .
5	CHECK THE STEERING GEAR Carry out the steering gear valve component test. See STEERING SYSTEM . Is the steering gear valve OK?	Yes	Go to next step.
5		No	Repair or install a new steering gear. See STEERING GEAR - 2WD or see STEERING GEAR - 4WD .
6	CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS Check for loose or worn suspension components. See SUSPENSION DIAGNOSIS . Are the suspension components OK?	Yes	Go to next step.
6		No	INSTALL new suspension components. See FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR SUSPENSION .
7	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. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREINSPECTION . Are the alignment settings within specifications?	Yes	Check for correct frame alignments. See BODY MISALIGNMENT CHECK .
7		No	Adjust the alignment angles to specifications. Do not exceed specifications. Test the system for normal operation.