Pinpoint Test D: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. 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 SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- 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 D2.
If vehicle pulls in original direction, GO to D3.
No
Concern has been corrected.
- D2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
Yes
GO to D3.
No
Concern has been corrected.
- D3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
- 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 D4.
No
INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft. Refer to STEERING COLUMN .
- D4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
Yes
GO to D5.
No
INSTALL new steering gear mounts. Refer to STEERING GEAR .
- D5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the STEERING GEAR VALVE component test.
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
Yes
GO to D6.
No
REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear. Refer to STEERING GEAR .
- D6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- CHECK for loose or worn suspension components. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- Are the suspension components OK?
Yes
GO to D7.
No
INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM
- D7 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 .
- Are the alignment settings within specifications?
Yes
CHECK for correct frame alignments. Refer to BODY SYSTEM - EXTERIOR .
No
ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.