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

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

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

Verify that the directional stability is poor.

Does the system operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3

1. Inspect the stabilizer shaft, link pins, and insulators for wear or damage.
2. Replace as necessary. Refer to the following procedures:

•	Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension

•	Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

Go to Step 4

System OK

1. Inspect the lower control arms, ball joints and tie rods for wear or damage.
2. Repair as necessary. Refer to the following procedures:

•	Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.

•	Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.

•	Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System or Tie Rod Replacement in Steering Linkage.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

Go to Step 5

System OK

Inspect the wheel bearings/hubs for looseness or excessive lateral runout. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis .

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

Go to Step 6

System OK

1. Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection .
2. Repair as necessary.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

Go to Step 7

System OK

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

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

Go to Step 8

System OK

1. Inspect the steering column for looseness. Refer to Refer to Looseness in Steering Column in Steering Wheel and Column-Standard or Looseness in Steering Column in Steering Wheel and Column-Tilt.
2. Repair as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

System OK

1. Inspect the steering gear mounting bolts for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Power Steering Systems.
2. Inspect the over-center adjustment. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle in Power Steering Systems.
3. Repair as necessary.

Did you complete the repair.

Go to Step 10

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Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3