Poor Directional Stability

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

1. Did you review the system descriptions and perform the necessary inspections? If so, go to next step. If not, see SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
2. Verify that the vehicle exhibits poor directional stability. Does the vehicle exhibit poor directional stability? If so, go to next step. If not, system is OK.
3. Inspect the stabilizer components for wear or damage. Replace components as necessary. Refer to the following procedures:
   • FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
   • STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
   • STABILIZER SHAFT INSULATOR REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
   • STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
   • FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS in REAR SUSPENSION.
   • STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT - FWD or STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT - AWD in REAR SUSPENSION.
   • STABILIZER SHAFT INSULATOR REPLACEMENT - AWD in REAR SUSPENSION.
   • STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT - AWD in REAR SUSPENSION.
   Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  10. If not, go to next step.
4. Inspect the steering and suspension components for wear or damage. Replace components as necessary. Refer to the following procedures:
   • TIE ROD END REPLACEMENT - OUTER in POWER STEERING SYSTEM .
   • LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
   • LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
   • STRUT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
   • REAR AXLE REPLACEMENT - FWD in REAR SUSPENSION.
   • UPPER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT - AWD in REAR SUSPENSION.
   • LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT - AWD in Rear Suspension.
   Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  10. If not, go to next step.
5. Inspect the wheel bearing. Refer to WHEEL BEARINGS DIAGNOSIS .
6. Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE . Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  10. If not, go to next step.
7. Inspect the fasteners on the steering column for looseness. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  10. If not, go to next step.
8. Inspect the fasteners on the steering gear for looseness. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  10. If not, go to next step.
9. Measure the wheel alignment. Adjust the alignment as necessary. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS Did you complete the alignment? If so, go to next step.
10. 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.