Pinpoint Test F: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

F1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side to side. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
- 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 F2.
  If vehicle pulls in the original direction, go to F3.
2. NO : The concern has been corrected.
F2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
1. YES : Go to F3.
2. NO : The concern has been corrected.
F3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT
NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the steering column shaft. Refer to the appropriate Body 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 F4.
2. NO : INSTALL a new steering column shaft as necessary. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
F4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
1. YES : Go to F5.
2. NO : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
F5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the Steering Gear Valve in Component Test.
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
1. YES : Go to F6.
2. NO : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
F6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- INSPECT the suspension components. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for the suspension diagnosis and testing.
- Are the suspension components OK?
1. YES : Go to F7.
2. NO : INSTALL new suspension components. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article for the front suspension or REAR SUSPENSION article for the rear suspension.
F7 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 article.
- 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. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.