CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
7. Excessive friction in strut upper
bearing
7. Replace strut bearing
Lateral Pull 1. Unequal tire pressure 1. Inflate all tires to recommended
pressure
2. Radial tire lead 2. Perform lead correction procedure
3. Incorrect front wheel camber 3. Check and reset front wheel camber
4. Power steering gear imbalance 4. Replace power steering gear
5. Wheel braking 5. Correct braking condition causing
lateral pull
Excessive Steering Free
Play
1. Worn or loose tie rod ends 1. Replace or tighten tie rod ends
2. Loose steering gear mounting bolts 2. Tighten steering gear bolts to specified
torque
3. Worn steering gear 3. Replace Steering Gear
4. Loose or worn steering shaft coupler 4. Replace steering shaft coupler
Excessive Steering Effort 1. Low tire pressure 1. Inflate all tires to recommended
pressure
2. Low power steering fluid level 2. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
correct level
3. Loose power steering pump drive
belt
3. Correctly adjust power steering pump
drive belt
4. Lack of lubricant in ball joints 4. Lubricate or replace ball joints
5. Steering gear malfunction 5. Replace steering gear
6. Lack of lubricant in steering coupler 6. Replace steering coupler
VEHICLE LEAD DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION
Use the following chart to diagnose a vehicle that
has a complaint of a drift or lead condition. The use
of the chart will help to determine if the lead condi-
tion is the result of a bad tire or is caused by the
front wheel alignment.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
PRE-WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Before any attempt is made to change or correct
the wheel alignment factors. The following part
inspection and the necessary corrections should be
made to those parts which influence the steering of
the vehicle.
(1) Check and inflate all tires to recommended
pressure. All tires should be the same size and in
good condition and have approximately the same
wear. Note the type of tread wear which will aid in
diagnosing, see Wheels and Tires, Group 22.
(2) Check front wheel and tire assembly for radial
runout.
(3) Inspect lower ball joints and all steering link-
age for looseness.
(4) Check for broken or sagged front and rear
springs.
(5) Check vehicle ride height to verify it is within
specifications.
(6) Alignment MUST only be checked after the
vehicle has the following areas inspected and or
adjusted. Recommended tire pressures, full tank of
fuel, no passenger or luggage compartment load and
is on a level floor or a properly calibrated alignment
rack.
CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment
rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
2 - 4 SUSPENSION LH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
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