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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2001 >> Cavalier LS, 2.2 4 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 127 (Suspension System General Diagnosis) >> Diagnostic Information >> Vehicle Leads/Pulls

Vehicle Leads/Pulls

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
  1. Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If so, go to next step. If not, go to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
  2. 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, then system is okay. If not, go to next step.
  3. Inspect the tire/wheel assemblies for:
    • Correct tire pressure.
    • Correct tire size.
    Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  5.
  4. Repair/replace the tire/wheel assemblies as necessary. After repair is complete, go to step  15.
  5. Inspect the front/rear suspensions for the following conditions: Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  7.
  6. Tighten components to specifications. Refer to the appropriate procedure: Adjust or replace the wheel bearings. Refer to the appropriate procedure: After repair is complete, go to step  15.
  7. 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 next step. If not, go to step  9.
  8. Repair/replace components as necessary. After repair is complete, go to step  15.
  9. Inspect the steering gear valve 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 next step. If not, go to step  11.
  10. Replace the steering gear. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT in POWER STEERING SYSTEM . After repair is complete, go to step  15.
  11. Inspect the wheel alignment. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS . Is the wheel alignment to specifications? If so, go to step  13. If not, go to next step.
  12. Adjust alignment to specifications. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS . After alignment is complete, go to step  15.
  13. 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 next step. If not, then system is okay.
  14. Does the vehicle lead/pull in the opposite direction? If so, see RADIAL TIRE LEAD/PULL CORRECTION in TIRES AND WHEELS. If not, go to next step.
  15. Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If so, then system is okay. If not, go to step  3.
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