Pinpoint Test D: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

D1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL

Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. Refer to WHEELS AND 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 D2.

If vehicle pulls in the original direction, GO to D3.

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 AND TIRES .
Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
Does the vehicle drift/pull?

Yes

GO to D3.

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 .

Yes

GO to D4.

INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft REFER to STEERING COLUMN .

D4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING

Yes

GO to D5.

INSTALL new steering gear mounts. REFER to POWER STEERING .

D5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR

Yes

GO to D6.

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.

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 .

ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.