Corrective Action Procedures
Lead/Pull
1. Put vehicle on hoist.
A. Visually inspect for damaged front and/or rear suspension or steering components.
B. Check for obvious brake drag.
C. Swap left front tire/wheel assembly with right front tire/wheel assembly. Cross only the front tires/wheels. Do not perform a standard or modified "X" rotation.
2. Re-ride the vehicle.
A. If the vehicle is fixed, OK. Labor operation E0100.
B. If the vehicle torque steers in the opposite direction from the original complaint, the problem is most likely to be tire related. Proceed to step 3.
C. If the vehicle leads/pulls in the same direction, proceed to step 4.
3. Tire/wheel rotation for lead/pull.
A. Swap LF tire/wheel with LR tire/wheel and re-ride.
B. If vehicle is fixed, replace LR tire (tire that was originally on RF). If vehicle is not fixed replace RF tire (tire that was originally on LF.)
C. Re-ride to confirm fix. Labor operations E0100 and E0420.
4. Wheel alignment. Be sure alignment rack calibration is up to date. Note all before and after readings and record them on the repair order. This information will be requested if Technical Assistance is contacted, and will be helpful in Engineering analysis.
A. Check camber and reset to nominal specification.
B. Note, do not adjust caster settings. Caster cannot be adjusted. If caster is found to be out of specification, re-check on another machine, and verify calibration of current machine. If caster is still out of specification, see miscellaneous note # 4. If still out of specification, contact Technical Assistance so Engineering can be notified see "miscellaneous Note # 5 before calling T.A.S.
5. Re-ride vehicle.
A. If vehicle is fixed, OK. Labor operation E2020.
B. If vehicle pulls to left, proceed to step 6.
C. If vehicle pulls to right, proceed to step 7.
6. Reset camber for a lead/pull to the left.
A. Set the RF camber to a "+" value (no more than + 1.00 degree).
B. Set the LF camber to a "-" value (no more than - 1.00 degree).
C. Total cross camber (left minus right) should be no more than 2 degrees.
D. Re-ride. If not fixed, contact Technical Assistance.
7. Reset camber for a lead/pull to the right.
A. Set the RF camber to a "-" value (no more than - 1.00 degree).
B. Set the LF camber to a "+" value (no more than + 1.00 degree),
C. Total cross camber (left minus right) should be no more than 2 degrees.
D. Re-ride. If not fixed, contact Technical Assistance.
Torque Steer
1. Put vehicle on hoist.
A. Visually inspect for damaged front and/or rear suspension or steering components.
B. Check for obvious brake drag.
C. Swap left front tire/wheel assembly with right front tire/wheel assembly. Cross only the front tires/wheels. Do not perform a standard or modified "X" rotation.
2. Re-ride the vehicle.
A. If the vehicle is fixed, OK.
B. If the vehicle torque steers in the opposite direction from the original complaint, the problem is most likely to be tire related. Proceed to step 3.
C. If the vehicle torque steers in the same direction, proceed to step 4.
3. Tire/wheel rotation for torque steer.
A. Swap LF tire/wheel assembly with LR tire/wheel and re-ride.
B. If vehicle is fixed, replace LR tire (tire that was originally on RF). If vehicle is not fixed replace RF tire (tire that was originally on LF.)
C. Re-ride to confirm fix. Labor operations E0100 and E0420.
4. Measure front suspension "Z" heights as specified in Service Manual.
One method of taking this measurement is to stretch a string tightly between the grease fittings on the bottom of the ball joints and measure the distance up from the string to the bottom surface of the suspension support.
If the side-to-side difference is greater than 6 mm (1/4 inch), correct the "Z" heights to equal settings. "Z" height can be increased by installing a new service replacement spring that is one part number "stronger" (or more if required) than the original equipment spring. Each subsequent spring code will result in approximately 8 mm (3/8 inch) difference in "Z" height from the previous code.
5. Re-ride the vehicle.
A. If the vehicle is fixed, OK. Labor operation E3020 or E3021.
B. If the vehicle still torque steers, proceed to next step.
Figure 1:
6. Measure transaxle heights-see Figure 1.
Side-to-side transaxle heights should be equal. If side-to-side differences are greater than 6 mm (1/4 inch), follow the engine shake-down procedure below:
A. Loosen the engine/transaxle to body mounts.
B. Start the vehicle and shift from reverse to drive slowly three times to re-settle the engine/transaxle assembly.
Figure 2:
C. Block vehicle wheels and apply park and service brakes. With an assistant watching the engine, make sure the transmission mount is not grounded against the stop in drive. If so, shift the mount until the rubber stop is not contacting the mount with the engine in drive. Refer to Figure 2. (1992 "J" car only).
D. Re-tighten all engine and transaxle mounts to body.
E. Check to see if the engine/transaxle is not level by measuring as described above. If it is not level, shim engine/transaxle mounts to raise the side with the lowest reading, using appropriate wheel alignment shim stock. Labor operation T4639.
7. Re-ride the vehicle
A. If the vehicle is fixed, OK.
B. If the vehicle still torque steers, contact Technical Assistance.
Memory Steer
1. Replace upper strut mount/bearing assemblies following procedure in Service Manual. See "Miscellaneous notes # 9."
2. Re-ride the vehicle.
A. If the vehicle is fixed, OK. Labor operation E3927.
B. If the vehicle still exhibits memory steer, the steering gear may have high friction and should be replaced. See miscellaneous notes # 9. Labor operation E9730.
Steering Wheel Angle Not "Centered"
Reset toe-in with steering wheel locked in "centered" position. Confirm that steering wheel is straight. Labor operation E2000.
Other Corrective Action Procedures
Check ball joints for binding or sticking by raising the vehicle on a hoist, and disconnect the tie rods. Move the tires back and forth and feel for any binding or sticking. If any is felt, the ball joint(s) may need to be replaced.