Pinpoint Test J: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

J1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat, dry road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
1. YES : If the vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, go to J2 .
  If the vehicle pulls in the original direction, go to J3 .
2. NO : The concern has been corrected.
J2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies from the front to the rear. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat, dry road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
1. YES : Go to J3.
2. NO : The concern has been corrected.
J3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
- 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 U-joints OK?
1. YES : Go to J4.
2. NO : INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
J4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
1. YES : Go to J5.
2. NO : INSTALL new steering gear mounts. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
J5 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
- Are the suspension components OK?
1. YES : Go to J6.
2. NO : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article for the front suspension or REAR SUSPENSION article for the rear suspension.
J6 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 article.
- Are the alignment settings within specifications?
1. YES : Go to J7.
2. NO : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed the specifications. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article. TEST the system for normal operation.
J7 VERIFY THE FRAME ALIGNMENT
- Check for correct frame alignments. Refer to UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING SYSTEM article.
- Are the frame alignment settings within specifications?
1. YES : INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING article. TEST the system for normal operation. If the condition still remains, INSTALL a new power steering control module. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
2. NO : ALIGN the frame to specifications. REFER to UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING SYSTEM article.