Pinpoint Test C: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

C1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side to side. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
1. YES : If vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, go to C2 .
  If vehicle pulls in the original direction, go to C3 .
2. NO : The concern has been corrected.
C2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
1. YES : Go to C3.
2. NO : The concern has been corrected.
C3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to the appropriate Body 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?
1. YES : Go to C4.
2. NO : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Steering System article for the procedure.
C4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
1. YES : Go to C5.
2. NO : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Steering System article for the procedure.
C5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the Steering Gear Valve Component Test.
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
1. YES : Go to C6.
2. NO : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Steering System article for the procedure.
C6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components.
- Are the suspension components OK?
1. YES : Go to C7.
2. NO : INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
C7 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 the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
- Are the alignment settings within specifications?
1. YES : CHECK for correct frame alignments. Refer to the appropriate Frame and Mounting article for the procedure.
2. NO : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed the specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.