Pinpoint Test C: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

C1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side to side. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.
- 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 C2.

If vehicle pulls in the original direction, GO to C3.

No : The concern has been corrected.
C2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
Yes : GO to C3.

No : The concern has been corrected.
C3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.
- 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 C4.

No : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft as necessary. Refer to STEERING COLUMN for the procedure.
C4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
Yes : GO to C5.

No : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. Refer to STEERING GEAR for the procedure.
C5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the STEERING GEAR VALVE TEST .
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
Yes : GO to C6.

No : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. Refer to STEERING GEAR for the procedure.
C6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components.
- Are the suspension components OK?
Yes : GO to C7.

No : INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.
C7 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 for the procedure.
Are the alignment settings within specifications?

Yes : CHECK for correct frame alignments. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.

No : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed the specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.