Pinpoint Test D: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- D1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL
- Rotate the front wheel and tire assemblies side-to-side. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
- 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 D2.
If vehicle pulls in original direction, GO to D3.
- No : The concern has been corrected.
- D2 ROTATE THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLIES FRONT TO REAR
- Rotate the wheel and tire assemblies front to rear. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
- Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
- Yes : GO to D3.
- No : The concern has been corrected.
- D3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
- 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 U-joints OK?
- Yes : GO to D4.
- No : INSTALL a new steering column intermediate shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . TEST the system for normal operation.
- D4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR
- Carry out the STEERING GEAR VALVE component test.
- Is the steering gear valve OK?
- Yes : GO to D5.
- No : REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING . TEST the system for normal operation.
- D5 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- Check for loose or worn suspension components. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X2 (4x2), FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 (4x4) or REAR SUSPENSION .
- Are the suspension components OK?
- Yes : GO to D6.
- No : INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X2 (4x2), FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 (4x4) or REAR SUSPENSION . TEST the system for normal operation.
- D6 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. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are the wheel alignment settings within specifications?
- Yes : CHECK for correct frame alignments. REFER to FRONT END BODY PANELS .
- No : ADJUST the alignment angles to specification. DO NOT exceed the specification. TEST the system for normal operation.