Pinpoint Test D: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- D1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT
- Check the steering column and shaft for grounding.
- Disconnect the steering column shaft at the steering column.
- Inspect the steering column shaft U-joints for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering column shaft U-joint OK?
NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to CLOCKSPRING .- Yes: GO to D2 .
- No: INSTALL new steering column shaft as necessary. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
- D2 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
- Yes: GO to D3 .
- No: INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
- D3 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the Steering Column Torsion Bar Test .
- Is the steering column OK?
- Yes: REFER to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING to diagnose suspension system drift/pull/wander.
- No: INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .