Pinpoint Test Purpose

There are two wander pinpoint tests: (1) suspension the Suspension System General Information article, and (2) steering the Power Steering article. The suspension article wander pinpoint test covers: vehicle loading, tire pressures, brakes, and alignment. The steering article pinpoint test covers steering gear to sub frame or frame mounting joints, tie rods, steering wheel & steering column joints.

1. CP1: VERIFY THE CONDITION TO BE RESOLVED IS NOT NOISE 
   • Is this a noise concern? 

   Yes	No
   DO NOT use this test. REFER to the Symptom Chart for the appropriate pinpoint test.	Go to  CP2.

2. CP2: VERIFY THE CONDITION TO BE RESOLVED IS NOT A BINDING, STICKY OR RETURNABILITY STEERING CONDITION 
   • Is this a binding, sticky or returnability steering concern? 

   Yes	No
   GO to PINPOINT TEST I .	Go to  CP3.

3. CP3: VERIFY THE CONDITION TO BE RESOLVED IS NOT A PULL OR DRIFT CONDITION 
   • Is this a steering pull of drift concern? 

   Yes	No
   GO to PINPOINT TEST CP .	Go to  CP4.

4. CP4: CHECK THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM 
   • Refer to the Symptom Chart in the Suspension System - General Information article and perform the pull-drift pinpoint test.
   • Does the vehicle pass the pull-drift pinpoint test?

   Yes	No
   Go to  CP5.	CARRY OUT the repair actions described in the suspension system pull-drift pinpoint test.

5. CP5: CHECK THE STEERING WHEEL INSTALLATION 
   • Verify the steering wheel connection is not bent or twisted, the steering wheel has been correctly installed and the fastener is tightened to the correct torque specification. Refer to the Steering Column article.
   • Is the steering wheel connection undamaged and has the steering wheel been correctly installed? 

   Yes	No
   Go to  CP6.	REINSTALL or INSTALL new component(s) as necessary. REFER to the Steering Column article. DRIVE the vehicle to VERIFY the repair.

6. CP6: CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN U-JOINTS 
   • Inspect the steering column shaft U-joints for looseness.
   • Are the steering column U-joints tight and in good condition?

   Yes	No
   Go to  CP7.	INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to the Steering Column article.

7. CP7: CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT FASTENERS 
   • Inspect the steering column shaft fasteners for looseness.
   • Are the fasteners okay?

   Yes	No
   Go to  CP8.	TIGHTEN the steering column shaft fasteners to the correct torque specification. REFER to Specifications in the Steering Column article.

8. CP8: CHECK THE OUTER TIE RODS FOR MOVEMENT 
   • With the transmission in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to the Jacking and Lifting article
   • Using hand force only, check the outer tie rods for vertical and lateral movement in the tie-rod ball studs and sockets.
   • Are the outer tie rods free from any vertical and lateral movement?

   Yes	No
   Go to  CP9.	INSTALL new outer tie rods. REFER to the Power Steering article.

9. CP9: CHECK THE INNER TIE RODS FOR MOVEMENT 
   CAUTION: When installing new bellows boots and clamps, apply new lubricant as instructed to prevent water contamination or damage may result to the EPAS gear. For complete information refer to the Tie Rod Removal and Installation process in the Power Steering article.
   • Remove the steering gear bellows boots. Refer to Inner Tie Rod Removal and Installation in the Power Steering article.
   • Using hand force only, check the inner tie rods for vertical and lateral movement in the tie-rod ball studs/sockets.
   • Are the inner tie rods free from any vertical and lateral movement?

   Yes	No
   Go to  CP10.	INSTALL a new Steering Gear assembly. REFER to the Power Steering article.

10. CP10: CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNT FASTENERS 
    • Check the steering gear for loose fasteners.
    • Are the fasteners okay?

    Yes	No
    Go to  CP11.	INSTALL new fasteners and TIGHTEN to specification. REFER to the Power Steering article.

11. CP11: CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNT BUSHINGS 
    • Check the steering gear for worn or damaged gear-mount bushings.
    • Are the bushings okay? 

    Yes	No
    The condition causing the concern is not steering related. INSPECT the front suspension components, REFER to the Suspension System - General Information article.	INSTALL a new Steering Gear assembly. REFER to the Power Steering article.