Pinpoint Test D: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

• Steering gear
• Intermediate shaft
• Intermediate shaft U-joints
• Steering gear mounts
• Suspension components

PINPOINT TEST D: STEERING SYSTEM DRIFT/PULL/WANDER 

1. D1 CHECK FOR TIRE PULL 
   • Rotate the front wheels and tires side to side. Refer to WHEELS & TIRES article.
   • Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
   • Does the vehicle drift/pull? 
   1. YES  : If vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, go to  D2.

      If vehicle pulls in the original direction, go to  D3.

   2. NO  : The concern has been corrected.
2. D2 ROTATE THE WHEELS AND TIRES FRONT TO REAR 
   • Rotate the wheels and tires front to rear. Refer to WHEELS & TIRES article.
   • Carry out a road test on a smooth, flat road.
   • Does the vehicle drift/pull? 
   1. YES  : Go to  D3.
   2. NO  : The concern has been corrected.
3. D3 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT 
   NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the steering column shaft. Refer to the appropriate BODY article for the procedure.
   • Check the steering column and shaft for grounding.
   • Disconnect the steering column shaft at the steering column.
   • Inspect the steering column shaft U-joints for looseness or wear.
   • Are the steering column shaft U-joints OK? 
   1. YES  : Go to  D4.
   2. NO  : INSTALL a new steering column shaft as necessary. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
4. D4 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING 
   • Check the steering gear mounts for looseness or wear.
   • Are the steering gear mounts OK? 
   1. YES  : Go to  D5.
   2. NO  : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
5. D5 CHECK THE STEERING GEAR 
   • Carry out the Steering Gear Valve under Component Tests .
   • Is the steering gear valve OK? 
   1. YES  : Go to  D6.
   2. NO  : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
6. D6 CHECK THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS 
   • Inspect the suspension components. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for the suspension diagnosis and testing.
   • Are the suspension components OK? 
   1. YES  : Go to  D7.
   2. NO  : INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article for the front suspension or REAR SUSPENSION article for the rear suspension.
7. D7 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 article.
   • Are the alignment settings within specifications? 
   1. YES  : CHECK for correct frame alignments. Refer to the FULL FRAME & BODY MOUNTING article for the procedure.
   2. NO  : ADJUST the alignment angles to specifications. DO NOT exceed the specifications. TEST the system for normal operation.