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Home >> Pontiac >> 2001 >> Aztek Base, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 34 (Front Suspension System) >> Troubleshooting >> Memory Steer

Memory Steer

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, and 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn.

  1. Did you review General Description and perform necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If no, see VISUAL/PHYSICAL INSPECTION .
  2. Verify that memory steer is present. Does system operate normally? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to next step.
  3. Ensure that all of tires are inflated to correct pressure. Has inspection/adjustment been performed? If yes, go to next step.
  4. Lubricate tie rod ends and ball joints if applicable. Inspect suspension system for worn or damaged components. Repair as necessary. Road test vehicle in order to verify customer complaint. Does vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
  5. Check for proper wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary. Road test vehicle in order to verify customer complaint. Does vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
  6. Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect both of outer tie rod ends from steering knuckles. Use your hands in order to move tie rod ends. Are either of tie rod ends abnormally difficult to move? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  8.
  7. Replace outer tie rod ends as necessary. Did you complete repair? If yes, go to step  17.
  8. Inspect for binding strut bearings and lower ball joints. Use your hands to push and pull front of wheels inboard and outboard. Are either of struts abnormally difficult to move? If yes, go to step  10. If no, go to next step.
  9. Remove tire/wheel. Disconnect strut from steering knuckle. Use your hands to rotate strut. Is strut abnormally difficult to rotate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  11.
  10. Replace strut bearing. See STRUT ASSEMBLY  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Did you complete repair? If yes, go to step  17.
  11. Use your hands in order to rotate steering knuckle/ball joint. Is steering knuckle/ball joint abnormally difficult to rotate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  13.
  12. Replace lower ball joint. See BALL JOINT  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Did you complete repair? If yes, go to step  17.
  13. Raise and support vehicle. Rotate steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction. Rotate steering wheel back to original position. Was steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  17.
    14. NOTE: DO NOT rotate steering wheel more than one complete revolution
  14. Disconnect intermediate shaft. Note position of steering wheel and rotate steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction. Rotate steering wheel back to original position as previously noted. Was steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction? If yes, go to step  16.
  15. Repair steering gear as necessary. Road test vehicle in order to verify customer complaint. Did you complete repair? If yes, go to step  17.
  16. Repair steering column as necessary. Did you complete repair? If yes, go to next step.
  17. Operate vehicle in order to verify repair.
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