Pinpoint Test A : Vehicle Drifts, Pulls
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Possible Sources
- Unevenly loaded vehicle
- Tire pressure
- Tire forces
- Brake drag
- Incorrect vehicle alignment
- Bent/damaged vehicle components
- 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. Vehicle Certification (VC) Codes. Check the tires for uneven/abnormal wear. Symptom Chart: Tire Wear REFER to: 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.
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. 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 four 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 . 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: Front Toe Adjustment . REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment - Raptor . No Symptom Chart(s) REFER to: Power Steering . to diagnose steering system drift/pull/wander condition.