Pinpoint Test C: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- C1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side to side.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
Yes : If vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, Go to C2.
If vehicle pulls in the original direction, Go to C3.
No : The concern has been corrected.
- C2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear.
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
Yes : Go to C3.
No : The concern has been corrected.
- C3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft.
- Check the steering column and intermediate shaft for grounding.
- Disconnect the steering column intermediate shaft at the steering column.
- Inspect the steering column intermediate shaft U-joints for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering column intermediate shaft universal joints OK?
Yes : Go to C4.
No : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft as necessary.
- C4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING
- Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
- Are the steering gear mounts OK?
Yes : Go to C5.
No : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary.
- C5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the STEERING GEAR VALVE .
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
Yes : Go to C6.
No : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary.
- C6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components.
- Are the suspension components OK?
Yes : Go to C7.
No : INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
- C7 CHECK THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT NOTE: The vehicle will tend to pull toward the side with the least positive caster and the most positive camber.
- Using a suitable alignment system, measure the wheel alignment settings.
- Are the alignment settings within specifications?
Yes : CHECK for correct frame alignments.
No : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed the specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.