GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Vehicle leads or pulls to either side while driving straight ahead.

1

  1. Adjust the tire pressure to specifications.
  2. Check for proper trim heights. Refer to Trim Height Specifications in Suspension General Diagnosis.
  3. Check the brakes for drag.
  4. Road test the vehicle. Drive in both directions on a flat, smooth road.

Does the vehicle lead or pull to one side?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK

2

  1. Interchange the front tire and wheel assemblies.
  2. Road test the vehicle.

Does the vehicle still pull to one side?

--

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Check if the vehicle pulls in the same direction.

Does the vehicle pull in the same direction?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Check the caster, camber, toe and the cross caster/cross camber alignment settings. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Are the alignment settings within specifications?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Check the tires.
  2. Interchange the left front tire and wheel assembly with the left rear tire and wheel assembly.
  3. Road test the vehicle.

Does the vehicle still pull to one side?

--

Go to Step 10

Replace the left rear tire

6

Change the caster setting.

Does the vehicle lead to the left?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

7

Adjust the front wheel alignment to specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Is the adjustment complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

8

Set the left caster at the top specification, and set the right caster at one degree less.

Is the adjustment complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

9

Set right caster at the top specification, and set the left caster at one degree less.

Is the adjustment complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

10

  1. Interchange the right front tire and wheel assembly with the right rear tire and wheel assembly.
  2. Road test the vehicle.

Does the vehicle still pull to one side?

--

Go to Step 6

Replace the right rear tire

11

Continue to decrease the right caster setting until the pull is eliminated. Do not exceed 2 degrees cross caster.

Is the pull eliminated?

--

System OK

Go to Step 12

12

Continue decreasing the left caster setting until the pull is eliminated. Do not exceed 2 degrees cross caster.

Is the pull eliminated?

--

System OK

Go to Step 11

13

Road test the vehicle.

Does the vehicle still pull to one side?

--

Go to Step 14

System OK

14

Does the vehicle pull to the left?

--

Go to Step 11

System OK