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Home >> GMC >> 2003 >> Safari Van Cargo, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 540 (Suspension - General Diagnosis) >> Diagnostic Information >> Memory Steer

Memory Steer

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Buick Regal and 2002 Buick Century. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: The steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn.
  1. Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS  .
  2. Verify that memory steer is present. Does the system operate normally? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to next step.
  3. Ensure that all of the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Has the inspection/adjustment been performed? If yes, go to next step.
  4. Lubricate the tie rod ends and the ball joints if applicable. Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components. Repair as necessary. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
  5. Check for proper wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment. Adjust as necessary. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
  6. Raise and support the vehicle. Disconnect both of the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer in Power Steering System. Use your hands in order to move the tie rod ends. Are either of the tie rod ends abnormally difficult to move? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  8 .
  7. Replace the outer tie rod end(s) as necessary. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer in Power Steering System. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
  8. Inspect for binding strut bearings and lower ball joints. Use your hands to push and pull the front of the wheels inboard and outboard. Are either of the struts abnormally difficult to move? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  13 .
  9. Remove the tire/wheel. Disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement in Front Suspension. Use your hands to rotate the strut. Is the strut abnormally difficult to rotate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  11 .
  10. Replace the strut bearing. Refer to Strut, Strut Component and/or Spring Replacement in Front Suspension. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to step  13 . If no, system is okay.
  11. Use your hands in order to rotate the steering knuckle/ball joint. Is the steering knuckle/ball joint abnormally difficult to rotate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  13 .
  12. Replace the lower ball joint. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to next step. If no, system is okay.
  13. Raise and support the vehicle. Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  1 .
  14. NOTE: Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution.
  15. Disconnect the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt. Note the position of the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position as previously noted. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction? If yes, go to step  16 . If no, go to next step.
  16. Repair the steering gear as necessary. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer? If yes, go to step  1 . If no, system is okay.
  17. Repair the steering column as necessary. After repairs, go to next step.
  18. Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to step  3 3.