Memory Steer
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
DEFINITION: The steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn.
- Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
- Verify that memory steer is present. Does the system operate normally? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to next step.
- Check the tire inflation and adjust to specifications. Did you adjust the tire pressure? If yes, go to step 14 . If no, go to next step.
- Lubricate the tie rod ends and the ball joints, if applicable. Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components. Repair as necessary. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
- Check for proper wheel alignment. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS . Adjust as necessary. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Disconnect both of the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Front Suspension . Use your hands in order to move the tie rod ends. Are either of the tie rod ends abnormally difficult to move? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 8 .
- Replace the outer tie rod ends as necessary. Refer to Front Suspension . After repairs, go to step 14 .
- Use your hands in order to rotate the steering knuckle/ball joints. Is the steering knuckle/ball joints abnormally difficult to rotate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 10 .
- Replace the upper or lower ball joint. Refer to Front Suspension . After repairs, go to step 14 .
- Raise and support the vehicle. Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 13 .
- Disconnect the intermediate shaft. Note the position of the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position as previously noted. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 13 .
- Repair the steering column as necessary. Refer to STEERING COLUMNS . After repairs, go to step 14 .
- Replace the steering gear. Refer to STEERING GEAR . After repairs, go to next step.
- Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to step 3 .
NOTE:
Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution.