Step
| Action
| Value
| Yes
| No
|
DEFINITION: The
steering wheel does not return to the straight-ahead position after completing
a turn.
|
1
| Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.
Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to step 2
| System OK
|
2
| Ensure the tire
pressures are correct. Adjust the tire pressure as necessary. Refer to the
tire placard on the driver's door lock pillar.
Is the tire inflation pressure correct?
| --
|
Go to Step 3
| --
|
3
|
- Lubricate the outer tie rods and the ball joints if applicable.
- Inspect the suspension system for worn components or for damaged
components.
- Repair the suspension system, as necessary.
- Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.
Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 4
| System OK
|
4
|
- Check for correct wheel alignment. Refer to
Wheel Alignment Measurement
in Wheel Alignment. Adjust
as necessary.
- Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.
Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 5
| System OK
|
5
|
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in General Information.
- Disconnect both of the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.
Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer
in Power Steering System or in Manual Steering
Gear.
- Use your hands in order to move the outer tie rods.
Are either of the outer tie rods abnormally difficult to move?
| --
|
Go to Step 6
|
Go to Step 7
|
6
|
- Replace the outer tie rods as necessary. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer
in
Power Steering System or in Manual Steering Gear.
- Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.
Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to step 7
| System OK
|
7
| Inspect for binding
strut bearings and lower ball joints. Turn the front wheels side-to-side in
order to rotate the strut bearing.
Are either of the struts abnormally difficult to rotate?
| --
|
Go to Step 8
|
Go to Step 12
|
8
|
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires
and Wheels.
- Disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle. Refer to
Strut Assembly Replacement
in Front
Suspension.
- Use your hands in order to rotate the strut.
Is the strut abnormally difficult to rotate?
| --
|
Go to Step 9
|
Go to Step 10
|
9
|
- Replace the strut bearing. Refer to
Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement
in Front Suspension.
- Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.
Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 12
| System OK
|
10
| Use your hands
in order to rotate the steering knuckle and the ball joint.
Is the steering knuckle or the ball joint abnormally difficult to rotate?
| --
|
Go to Step 11
|
Go to Step 12
|
11
|
- Replace the control arm and the ball stud seal. Refer to
Lower Control Arm Replacement
in
Front Suspension.
- Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.
Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 12
| System OK
|
12
|
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in General Information.
Important: Do not rotate the steering wheel beyond one revolution.
- Note the position of the steering wheel. Rotate the steering wheel one
revolution in either direction.
- Rotate the steering wheel to the original position.
Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?
| -
|
Go to Step 13
|
Go to Step 1
|
13
|
- Remove the bolt that retains lower steering shaft coupling. Refer
to
Steering Gear Replacement
in Power Steering System or to
Manual Steering Gear Replacement
in Manual Steering Gear.
Important: Do not rotate the steering wheel beyond 1 revolution.
- Note the position of the steering wheel. Rotate the steering wheel 1 revolution
in either direction.
- Rotate the steering wheel to the original position.
Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?
| -
|
Go to Step 15
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
|
- Repair or replace the steering gear as necessary. Refer to
Steering Gear Replacement
in Power Steering System or to
Manual Steering Gear Replacement
in Manual Steering Gear.
- Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.
Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?
| -
|
Go to Step
1
| System OK
|
15
|
- Repair or replace the steering column as necessary. Refer to
Steering Column Replacement
in Steering
Wheel and Column - Standard.
- Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer concern.
Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?
| -
|
Go to Step
1
| System OK
|
