Pinpoint Test D: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- D1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side to side. Refer to WHEELS & 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 : The concern has been corrected.
- D2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
- Yes : GO to D3.
- No : The 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 a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .
- D5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the Steering Gear Valve component test. Refer to COMPONENT TESTS .
- 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 SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are the suspension components OK?
- Yes : GO to D7.
- No : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION for the front suspension or REAR SUSPENSION for the 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 UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING SYSTEM .
- No : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed the specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.