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.
  - 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 AND 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.
- 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.