Steering - Vehicle Pulls to The Right
03-036June 3, 2005
Applies To:
*2003 Accord - ALL
2004 Accord - ALL
2005 Accord - ALL*
2003-2005 Accord: Vehicle Drifts to the Right
(Supersedes 03-036, dated September 23, 2003, to update the information marked with the black bars and asterisks)
SYMPTOM
The vehicle drifis to the right at highway speeds.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The camber settings are uneven.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Shift the front subframe to the right.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.
Failed Part: P/N 42700-SDB-A02
H/C 7137714
*Defect Code: 07406
Symptom Code: 09770*
Template ID: 03-036A
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
1. Inspect the tires for uneven or abnormal tire wear, and set the tire pressure to the cold specifications shown on the doorjamb sticker.
2. Test-drive the vehicle at 55 mph on a road with very little crown. Use a stopwatch to determine how long the vehicle takes to make a complete lane change.
^ If the vehicle takes 6 seconds or more to change lanes, the drift is normal. Return the vehicle to the customer, and explain that the drift is normal.
^ If the vehicle takes less than 6 seconds to change lanes, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist, and inspect the front suspension for any damage.
^ If there is any suspension damage, replace the damaged parts and check the wheel alignment.
^ If there is no suspension damage, go to step 2.
2. Swap the front tires from side to side, and test-drive the vehicle as you did in the DIAGNOSIS.
^ If the vehicle now takes 6 seconds or more to change lanes, the drift is normal. Return the vehicle to the customer, and explain that the drift is normal.
^ If swapping tires did not have an effect on vehicle lane-change time, go to step 3.
3. Loosen the four 14 mm subframe bolts and the four subframe bracket bolts.
4. At the left rear of the subframe, insert a pry bar between the subframe and the floor frame.
5. At the left front of the subframe, insert another pry bar between the subframe and the front side frame.
NOTICE
Be careful not to damage the front side of the frame when you press on the pry bars. You could bend and damage the frame if you apply too much pressure.
6. Press on both pry bars, and shifi the subframe as far right as possible. It will move only a few millimeters.
7. While holding the subframe to the far right, have an assistant torque the four 14 mm subframe bolts to 103 N.m (76 lb-ft) and the four bracket mounting bolts to 93.5 N.m (69 lb-ft).
8. Check the wheel alignment. Make sure the vehicle has some negative camber at the right front wheel, but not more than that allowed in the wheel alignment specifications.
9. Test-drive the vehicle to verify the drift is gone.
Disclaimer