Vehicle Leads/Pulls
Definition: 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.
- 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 .
- Road test the vehicle in order to verify the complaint. Does the vehicle operate normally? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to next step.
- Inspect the tire/wheel assemblies for:
- Correct tire pressure.
- Correct tire size.
- Perform the Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction in Tires and Wheels. See RADIAL TIRE LEAD/PULL CORRECTION ? If yes, go to step 11. If no, go to next step.
- Inspect the front/rear suspensions for vehicle trim height. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE . Inspect for excessive wear or loose components. Inspect for excessive wheel bearing play. Refer to WHEEL BEARING DIAGNOSIS (SEALED) or WHEEL BEARING DIAGNOSIS (TAPERED) . Do any of the conditions apply? If yes, go to step 10. If no, go to next step.
- Inspect the brake system for brake drag. Refer to BRAKES DRAG . Do any of the conditions apply? If yes, go to step 11. If no, go to next step.
- 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 any of the condition apply? If yes, go to step 9. If no, go to next step.
- Inspect the wheel alignment. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS . Is the wheel alignment within specifications? If yes, go to step 11. If no, go to next step.
- Replace the steering gear valve or power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement in POWER STEERING . After repairs, go to step 11.
- Repair/replace components as necessary. Tighten components to specifications. 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.