Pinpoint Test F: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
- F1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system.
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. Refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .Yes : If vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, GO to F2.
If vehicle pulls in original direction, GO to F3.
No : The concern has been corrected. If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to F8.
- F2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
Yes : GO to F3.
No : The concern has been corrected. If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to F8.
- F3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the steering column shaft. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
- Check the steering column and shaft for grounding.
- Disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
- Inspect the steering column shaft U-joints for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering column shaft U-joints OK?
Yes : GO to F4.
No : INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to F8.
- F4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
Yes : GO to F5.
No : INSTALL new steering gear mounts. REFER to POWER STEERING . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to F8.
- F5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the STEERING GEAR VALVE component test.
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
Yes : GO to F6.
No : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to F8.
- F6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR SUSPENSION .
- Are the suspension components OK?
Yes : GO to F7.
No : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR SUSPENSION . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to F8.
- F7 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 alignment equipment and the manufacturer's equipment, measure the wheel alignment settings. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are the alignment settings within specifications?
Yes : CHECK for correct frame alignments. REFER to FULL FRAME AND BODY MOUNTING . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to F8.
No : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION . DO NOT exceed the specifications. TEST the system for normal operation. If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to F8.
- F8 REPOWER THE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
- Verify that the fire suppression system is repowered. Refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
- Is the fire suppression system repowered?
WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .Yes : Fire suppression system repowering is complete.
No : REFER to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM for fire suppression system depowering and repowering procedure.