Poor Directional Stability

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

1. 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  .
2. Verify that the directional stability is poor. Does the system operate normally? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to next step.
3. Inspect the front stabilizer fasteners for looseness. Inspect for damaged stabilizer bar, stabilizer bushings, or damaged and missing stabilizer links. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  10 . If no, go to next step.
4. Inspect the lower control arms, ball joints and tie rods for wear or damage. Repair as necessary. Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
5. Inspect the wheel bearings/hubs for looseness or excessive lateral runout. Refer to WHEEL BEARING DIAGNOSIS  . Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
6. Inspect and adjust the vehicle trim height. See TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE  . Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
7. Inspect and adjust the wheel alignment as necessary. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS . Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
8. Inspect the steering column for looseness. Refer to STEERING COLUMNS . Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to next step.
9. Inspect the steering gear mounting bolts for looseness. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to next step.
10. 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 .