Vehicle Leads/Pulls
NOTE:
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 so, go to step 2 . If not, go to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
- Road test the vehicle in order to verify the complaint. Select a smooth level surface to perform the test. Does the vehicle operate normally? If so, system is OK. If not, go to step 3 .
- Inspect the tire/wheel assemblies for the following conditions:
- Correct tire pressure.
- Correct tire size. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label located on the edge of the driver's door.
- Repair/replace the tire/wheel assemblies as necessary. Did you complete the repair? If so, go to step 15 .
- Inspect the front/rear suspensions for the following conditions:
- Vehicle trim height. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE .
- Excessive wear or loose components. Refer to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
- Excessive wheel bearing play. Refer to WHEEL BEARINGS DIAGNOSIS .
- Repair/replace components as necessary.
- Tighten components to specifications. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS for Front Suspension or TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS for Rear Suspension.
- Adjust or replace the wheel bearings. Refer to HUB & BEARING ASSEMBLY for Front Suspension or HUB & BEARING for Rear Suspension.
- Inspect the brake system for brake drag. Refer to HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC STARTING POINT . Do any of the above conditions apply? If so, go to step 8 . If not, go to step 9 .
- Repair/replace components as necessary. Did you complete the repair? If so, go to step 15 .
- 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 the above condition apply? If so, go to step 10 . If not, go to step 11 .
- Replace the steering gear. Refer to RACK & PINION ASSEMBLY . Did you complete the repair? If so, go to step 15 .
- Inspect the wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in WHEEL ALIGNMENT article. Is the wheel alignment in specifications? If so, go to step 13 . If not, go to step 12 .
- Adjust alignment to specifications. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in WHEEL ALIGNMENT article. Did you complete the repair? If so, go to step 15 .
- Cross-switch the front tire/wheel assemblies. Road test the vehicle on a smooth level surface. Does the vehicle still lead/pull? If so, go to step 14 . If not, system is OK.
- Does the vehicle lead/pull in the opposite direction? If so, go to RADIAL TIRE LEAD/PULL CORRECTION in TIRES AND WHEELS article. If not, go to step 15 .
- 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 .