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Torque Steer

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

DEFINITION: On a dry, smooth, flat road, the vehicle has a left or right steering force that is eliminated when the transmission is shifted into Neutral. The level of the steering force is usually, but not always, dependent on the amount of torque which is applied by the engine. Torque steer at constant highway speed is frequently mistaken for lead/pull.

  1. Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If so, go to next step. If not, see SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS  .
  2. Verify that torque steer is present. Does the system operate normally? If so, system is OK. If not, go to next step.
  3. Ensure that the tires are all the same size, make, and adequate tread depth. Ensure that all of the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Refer to TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS  . Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit an abnormal amount of torque steer? If so, go to next step. If not, system is OK.
  4. Inspect the front suspension for worn or damaged components. Repair as necessary. Has the inspection/repair been performed? If so, go to next step.
    1. Drive the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat road at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph).
    2. Remove your foot from the accelerator.
    3. Shift the transmission into Neutral in order to allow the vehicle to coast.
    4. Momentarily release the steering wheel and note any change in the direction of the vehicle.
    5. Repeat this test with the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by unlevel roads and crosswinds are considered normal.
    Does the vehicle direction change when the steering wheel is momentarily released? If so, see RADIAL TIRE LEAD/PULL CORRECTION in TIRES AND WHEELS . If not, go to next step.
  6. Drive the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat road. Shift the transmission into Drive. Press the accelerator and momentarily release the steering wheel. Repeat this test with the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by unlevel roads and crosswinds are considered normal. Does the vehicle exhibit torque steer when the accelerator is pressed? If so, go to next step. If not, system is OK.
  7. Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE  . Repair as necessary. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit torque steer? If so, go to next step. If not, system is OK.
  8. Inspect for worn or damaged powertrain mounts. Replace as necessary. Has the inspection/repair been performed? If so, go to next step.
  9. Correct the height difference by shimming the powertrain mounts. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit torque steer? If so, go to next step. If not, system is OK.
  10. Inspect and adjust the wheel alignment as necessary. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS . Has the inspection/adjustment been performed? If so, go to next step.
  11. Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If so, system is OK. If not, go back to step  3 .
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