Pinpoint Test D: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford RV Cutaway, 2005 Ford Econoline, 2005 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cutaway. 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 & TIRES .
- 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 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 WHEELS & TIRES .
- 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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
- 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 POWER STEERING .
- D5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the Steering Gear Valve component test. Refer to COMPONENT TESTS .
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
- Yes : GO to D6.
- No : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .
- D6 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 D7.
- No : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR SUSPENSION .
- 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-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are the alignment settings within specifications?
- Yes : CHECK for correct frame alignments. REFER to FRONT END BODY PANELS .
- No : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.