GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2005 🢒 Grand Am 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Poor Directional Stability

Poor Directional Stability

Step

Action

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Driver is unable to maintain consistent, predictable vehicle driving control in any direction.

1

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

2

Verify that the directional stability is poor.

Does the system operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3

3

Inspect the front stabilizer for the following conditions:

    •  Stabilizer fasteners for looseness--Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension.
    • Damaged stabilizer--Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
    •  Worn or damaged stabilizer bushings--Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement in Front Suspension.
    •  Damaged or missing stabilizer links--Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect the following suspension and steering components for wear or damage:

    •  Control arms--Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
    •  Ball joints--Refer to Ball Joint Inspection .
    • Inner and outer tie rod ends--Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement or Rack and Pinion Inner Tie Rod Replacement in Power Steering System.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect the wheel bearing. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect the steering column for looseness. Refer to Looseness in Steering Column in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the steering gear for the following conditions:

    • Steering gear mounting bolts for looseness--Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Power Steering.
    • Bearing preload adjustment--Refer to Steering Gear Rack Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle in Power Steering.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect and adjust the wheel alignment as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Did you complete the alignment?

Go to Step 10

--

10

Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3