Pinpoint Test A: Vehicle Drifts/Pulls
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- A1 CHECK FOR UNEVENLY LOADED VEHICLE
- Visually check the vehicle for an uneven loading condition.
- Is the vehicle unevenly loaded?
- Yes: ADVISE the customer of uneven loading condition.
- No: GO to A2 .
- A2 CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURES AND TIRE CONDITIONS
- Check the tire pressures. Refer to the VEHICLE CERTIFICATION (VC) LABEL located on the driver door jamb. Check the tires for uneven/abnormal wear. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing - Wheels and Tires in WHEELS & TIRES .
- Are the tire pressures and tire conditions OK?
- Yes: GO to A3 .
- No: ADJUST the tire pressures to the specified pressure or INSTALL new tires as necessary.
- A3 ISOLATE TIRE DRIFT/PULL CONDITION
- Cross the front wheel and tire assemblies from left-to-right. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
- Yes: If the vehicle drifts/pulls in the opposite direction, tire forces are causing the drift/pull. REFER to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING to diagnose tire drift/pull. If the vehicle drifts/pulls in the same direction, GO to A4 .
- No: Tire forces were causing the drift/pull and the concern has been corrected.
- A4 CHECK FOR BRAKE DRAG
- Spin all 4 wheel and tire assemblies by hand and check for brake drag.
- Do the wheels spin freely?
- Yes: GO to A5 .
- No: REFER to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING to diagnose brake drag condition.
- A5 CHECK THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT
- Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, check the wheel alignment.
- Is the wheel alignment out of specification?
- Yes: ADJUST the alignment as necessary. REFER to GENERAL PROCEDURES .
- No: REFER to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING to diagnose steering system drift/pull/wander condition.