Poor Directional Stability

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, and 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Driver is unable to maintain consistent, predictable vehicle driving control in any direction.

Did you review General Description and perform necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If no, see VISUAL/PHYSICAL INSPECTION .
Verify that directional stability is poor. Does system operate normally? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to next step.
Inspect stabilizer shaft, links, and insulators for wear or damage. Replace as necessary. See STABILIZER BAR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Does vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
Inspect lower control arms, ball joints and tie rods for wear or damage. Repair as necessary. Does vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
Inspect wheel bearings/hubs for looseness or excessive lateral runout. See WHEEL BEARING under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. Does vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
Inspect vehicle trim height. See RIDE HEIGHT under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. Repair as necessary. Does vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
Inspect and adjust wheel alignment as necessary. Does vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
Inspect steering column for looseness. Repair as necessary. Did you complete repair? If yes, go to next step.
Inspect steering gear mounting bolts for looseness. Repair as necessary. Did you complete repair? If yes, go to next step.
Operate vehicle in order to verify repair.