Memory Steer
NOTE:
The steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn.
- Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If so, go to step 2 . If not, go to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
- Verify that memory steer is present. Does the system operate normally? If so, system is OK. If not, go to step 3 .
- Ensure that all of the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Has the inspection/adjustment been performed? If so, go to step 4 .
- 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 so, go to step 5 . If not, system is OK.
- Check for proper wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in WHEEL ALIGNMENT article. Adjust as necessary. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If so, go to step 6 . If not, system is OK.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Tire Placard located on the edge of the driver's door. Disconnect both of the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to OUTER TIE ROD . Use your hands in order to move the tie rod ends. Are either of the tie rod ends abnormally difficult to move? If so, go to step 7 . If not, go to step 8 .
- Replace the outer tie rod end(s) as necessary. Refer to OUTER TIE ROD . Did you complete the repair? If so, go to step 14 .
- Remove the tire/wheel. Disconnect the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. Use your hands to rotate the ball joint stud. Is the ball joint abnormally difficult to rotate? If so, go to step 9 . If not, go to step 10 .
- Replace the lower control arm. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM . Did you complete the repair? If so, go to step 14 .
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Tire Placard located on the edge of the driver's door. 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 so, go to step 11 . If not, go to step 14 .
- Disconnect the intermediate shaft. Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution. 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 so, go to step 12 . If not, go to step 13 .
- Repair the steering gear as necessary. Refer to RACK & PINION ASSEMBLY . Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Did you complete the repair? If so, go to step 14 .
- Repair the steering column as necessary. Did you complete the repair? If so, go to step 14 .
- Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If so, system is OK. If not, go to step 3 .