Pinpoint Test C: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

1. C1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL 
   • Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side to side. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.
   • 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 C2.

   If vehicle pulls in the original direction, GO to  C3.

   No  : The concern has been corrected.

2. C2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR 
   • Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.
   • Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
   • Does the vehicle drift/pull? 

   Yes  : GO to C3.

   No  : The concern has been corrected.

3. C3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT 
   NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.
   • 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 C4.

   No  : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft as necessary. Refer to STEERING COLUMN for the procedure.

4. C4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING 
   • Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
   • Are the steering gear mounts OK? 

   Yes  : GO to C5.

   No  : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. Refer to STEERING GEAR for the procedure.

5. C5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR 
   • Carry out the STEERING GEAR VALVE TEST .
   • Is the steering gear valve OK? 

   Yes  : GO to C6.

   No  : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. Refer to STEERING GEAR for the procedure.

6. C6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS 
   • Check for loose or worn suspension components.
   • Are the suspension components OK? 

   Yes  : GO to C7.

   No  : INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.

7. C7 CHECK THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT 

• Using a suitable alignment system, measure the wheel alignment settings. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for the procedure.
• Are the alignment settings within specifications? 

Yes  : CHECK for correct frame alignments. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.

No  : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed the specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.