Vehicle Leads/Pulls

NOTE: Lead/pull is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with no pressure on the steering wheel. Use the lead/pull correction table in order to verify that improper wheel alignment or worn components are not mistaken for tire lead.

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If so, go to step 2. If not, go to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
Road test the vehicle in order to verify the complaint. Select a smooth level surface to perform the test. Does the vehicle operate normally? If so, system is OK. If not, go to step 3.
Inspect the tire/wheel assemblies for the following conditions:
- Correct tire pressure.
- Correct tire size.
Do any of the above conditions apply? If so, go to step 4. If not, go to step 5.
Repair/replace the tire/wheel assemblies as necessary. After repairs are complete, go to step 15.
Inspect the front/rear suspensions for the following conditions:
- Vehicle trim height Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE .
- Excessive wear or loose components Refer to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
- Excessive wheel bearing play Refer to WHEEL BEARINGS DIAGNOSIS .
Do any of the above conditions apply? If so, go to step 6. If not, go to step 7.
Repair/replace components as necessary.
- Tighten components to specifications. Refer to FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS in FRONT SUSPENSION or TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS for Rear Suspension.
- Adjust or replace the wheel bearings. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
  - WHEEL BEARING/HUB REPLACEMENT - FRONT in FRONT SUSPENSION .
  - WHEEL BEARING/HUB REPLACEMENT - REAR for Rear Suspension.
After repairs are complete, go to step 15.
Inspect the brake system for brake drag. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC STARTING POINT - HYDRAULIC BRAKES . Do any of the above conditions apply? If so, go to step 8. If not, go to step 9.
Repair/replace components as necessary. After repairs are complete, go to step 15.
Inspect the steering gear for an unbalance. If this is the cause, steering effort will be very light in the direction of the lead and effort will be heavy in the opposite direction with the vehicle parked on a smooth level surface. Does the above condition apply? If so, go to step 10. If not, go to step 11.
Replace the steering gear. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT . After repairs are complete, go to step 15.
Inspect the wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in SPECIFICATIONS . Is the wheel alignment in specifications? If so, go to step 13. If not, go to step 12.
Adjust alignment to specifications. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in SPECIFICATIONS . After repairs are complete, go to step 15.
Cross-switch the front tire/wheel assemblies. Road test the vehicle on a smooth level surface. Does the vehicle still lead/pull? If so, go to step 14. If not, system is OK.
Does the vehicle lead/pull in the opposite direction? If so, go to RADIAL TIRE LEAD/PULL CORRECTION in TIRES AND WHEELS . If not, go to step 15.
Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If so, system is OK. If not, go to step 3.