Pinpoint Test D: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

D1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat, dry road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
1. YES : If the vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, go to D2.
  If the vehicle pulls in the original direction, go to D3.
2. NO : The concern has been corrected.
D2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT-TO-REAR
- Rotate wheel and tire assemblies front-to-rear. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat, dry road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
1. YES : Go to D3.
2. NO : The concern has been corrected.
D3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT
NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the steering column. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
- Check the steering column shaft for grounding.
- Disconnect the steering column shaft coupling at the steering column.
- Inspect the steering column shaft coupling U-joints for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering column shaft U-joints OK?
1. YES : Go to D4.
2. NO : INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
D4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
1. YES : Go to D5.
2. NO : INSTALL new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
D5 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
- Are the suspension components OK?
1. YES : Go to D6.
2. NO : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article for the front suspension or REAR SUSPENSION article for the rear suspension.
D6 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 article.
- Are the alignment settings within specifications?
1. YES : CHECK for correct frame alignments. Refer to the appropriate Frame and Mounting article for the procedure.
2. NO : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed the specifications. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article. CALIBRATE the steering wheel position sensor. REFER to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Calibration . TEST the system for normal operation.