Poor Directional Stability

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If no, see SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
Verify that the directional stability is poor. Does the system operate normally? If yes, system is OK. If no, go to next step.
Inspect the front stabilizer for the following conditions:
- Stabilizer fasteners for looseness. Refer to FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- Damaged Stabilizer. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- Worn or damaged stabilizer bushings. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT INSULATOR REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- Damaged or missing stabilizer links. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 10. If no, go to next step.
Inspect the following suspension and steering components for wear or damage:
- Control Arms, refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- Ball Joints, refer to BALL JOINT INSPECTION .
- Inner and outer tie rod ends, refer to TIE ROD END REPLACEMENT - OUTER or TIE ROD REPLACEMENT - INNER in POWER STEERING SYSTEM .
Inspect the wheel bearing. Refer to WHEEL BEARINGS DIAGNOSIS . Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 10. If no, go to next step.
Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE . Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 10. If no, go to next step.
Inspect the steering column for looseness. Refer to LOOSENESS IN STEERING COLUMN in STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN . Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 10. If no, go to next step.
Inspect the steering gear mounting bolts for looseness. Refer to FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS in POWER STEERING SYSTEM . Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 10. If no, go to next step.
Inspect and adjust the wheel alignment as necessary. Refer to the following:
- For 2003 models, refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
- For 2004 models, refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
Did you complete the alignment? If yes, go to next step.
Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is OK. If no, go back to step 3.