Pinpoint Test C: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

• Steering gear
• Steering column shaft
• Steering column shaft U-joints
• Steering gear mounts

PINPOINT TEST C: STEERING SYSTEM DRIFT/PULL/WANDER 

1. C1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT 
   NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to the appropriate RESTRAINTS article for the procedure.
   • 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-joints OK? 
   1. YES  : Go to  C2.
   2. NO  : INSTALL a new steering column shaft as necessary. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
2. C2 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING 
   • Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
   • Are the steering gear mounts OK? 
   1. YES  : Go to  C3.
   2. NO  : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
3. C3 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR 
   • Carry out the Steering Gear Valve in COMPONENT TESTS .
   • Is the steering gear valve OK? 
   1. YES  : REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article to diagnose suspension system drift/pull/wander.
   2. NO  : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.