DEFINITION: Lead/pull is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with no pressure on the steering wheel. Lead is usually caused by the following conditions:

Tire construction can be a cause of lead in a vehicle. An example of this is placement of the belt. Off center belts on radial tires can cause the tire to develop a side force while rolling straight down the road, and the tire will tend to roll like a cone.

Use the lead/pull correction table in order to verify that improper tire and wheel alignment is not misdiagnosed as tire lead.

1

Inspect and repair/replace tire/wheel assemblies for:

Is action complete?

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Go to Step 2

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Inspect and repair front and rear suspensions for:

Is action complete?

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Go to Step 3

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Inspect and repair power steering gear and pump for:

Is action complete?

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Go to Step 4

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1. Cross-switch front tire/wheel assemblies.
2. Road test vehicle.

Does vehicle still lead/pull?

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Go to Step 5

System OK

Does the vehicle lead/pull in the opposite direction?

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Go to Step 6

Go to Wheel Alignment Measurement

1. Cross-switch left front tire/wheel assembly with left rear tire/wheel assembly.
2. Road test the vehicle.

Does vehicle still lead/pull?

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Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

1. Cross-switch right front tire/wheel assembly with right rear tire/wheel assembly.
2. Road test the vehicle.

Does vehicle still lead/pull?

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Go to Wheel Alignment Measurement

Go to Step 9

Replace left rear tire.

Is repair complete?

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System OK

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Replace right rear tire.

Is repair complete?

--

System OK

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