Pinpoint Test A: Vehicle Drifts/Pulls

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. 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 AND 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 WHEELS AND TIRES .
- Does the vehicle drift/pull?
  - Yes : If the vehicle drifts/pulls in the opposite direction, tire forces are causing the drift/pull. ROTATE the wheel and tire assemblies front-to-rear. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES . 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 BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION 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 STEERING SYSTEM - ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST STEERING (EPAS) or STEERING SYSTEM - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST STEERING (HPAS) to diagnose steering system drift/pull/wander condition.