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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Mustang Base, 2D Convertible, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 321 (Steering System) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Steering System >> Connector Reference and Terminal Readings >> PINPOINT TEST H: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander >> Test Procedure
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Test Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

  1. H1 - CHECK FOR TIRE PULL

    • Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. Refer to FRONT article.
    • Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
    • Does the vehicle drift/pull? 
      1. Yes  : If vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, GO to H2.

        If vehicle pulls in original direction, GO to  H3.

      2. No  : Concern has been corrected.

  2. H2 - ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR

    • Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to FRONT article.
    • Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
    • Does the vehicle drift/pull? 
      1. Yes  : GO to H3.
      2. No  : Concern has been corrected.
    3. NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .

  3. H3 - CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
    • 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? 
      1. Yes  : GO to H4.
      2. No  : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN  in this section.

  4. H4 - CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING

    • Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
    • Are the steering gear mounts OK? 
      1. Yes  : GO to H5.
      2. No  : INSTALL new steering gear mounts. REFER to STEERING GEAR  in this section.

  5. H5 - CHECK THE STEERING GEAR

    • Carry out the Steering Gear Valve component test. Refer to COMPONENT TESTS  in this section.
    • Is the steering gear valve OK? 
      1. Yes  : GO to H6.
      2. No  : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to STEERING GEAR  in this section.

  6. H6 - CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS

    • Check for loose or worn suspension components. Refer to FRONT article .
    • Are the suspension components OK? 
      1. Yes  : GO to H7.
      2. No  : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT article .
    7. NOTE: The vehicle will tend to pull toward the side with the least positive caster and the most positive camber.

  7. H7 - CHECK THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT
    • Using a suitable alignment system, measure the wheel alignment settings. Refer to FRONT article .
    • Are the alignment settings within specifications? 
      1. Yes  : CHECK for correct frame alignments. REFER to EXTERIOR TRIM .
      2. No  : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.
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