GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Prizm 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Torque Steer

Step

Action

Yes

No

DEFINITION: On a dry, smooth, flat road, the vehicle has a left or right steering force that is eliminated when the transmission is shifted into Neutral. The level of the steering force is usually (but not always) dependent on the amount of torque which is applied by the engine. Torque steer at constant highway speed is frequently mistaken for lead/pull.

1

Did you review the system Descriptions and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

2
  1. Drive the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat road at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph).
  2. Remove your foot from the accelerator.
  3. Shift the transmission into Neutral in order to allow the vehicle to coast.
  4. Momentarily release the steering wheel and note any change in the direction of the vehicle.
  5. Repeat this test with the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by unlevel roads and crosswinds are considered normal.

Does the vehicle direction change when the steering wheel is momentarily released?

Go to Vehicle Leads/Pulls

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Drive the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat road.
  2. Shift the transmission into Drive.
  3. Press the accelerator and momentarily release the steering wheel.
  4. Repeat this test with the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by unlevel roads and crosswinds are considered normal.

Does the vehicle exhibit torque steer when the accelerator is pressed?

Go to Step 4

System OK

4

Inspect the front suspension for loose, worn or damaged components.

Are any front suspension components loose, worn or damaged?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

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

Is the vehicle trim height incorrect?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect for worn or damaged powertrain mounts. Replace as necessary. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection in Engine Mechanical - 1.8 L.

Are any mounts worn or damaged?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 2

7

Repair or replace components as necessary. Refer to the following:

    •  Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension
    •  Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension
    •  Strut Assembly Replacement in Front Suspension
    •  Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement in Front Suspension
    •  Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension
    •  Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement in Rear Suspension
    •  Trailing Arm Replacement in Rear Suspension
    •  Strut Assembly Replacement in Rear Suspension
    •  Strut Disassemble/Assemble Repair in Rear Suspension

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

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8

Replace the mounts as necessary. Refer to the following procedures:

    •  Engine Mount Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 1.8 L
    •  Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side in Manual Transmission - MB4 and MB5
    •  Transmission Front Mount Replacement in Manual Transmission - MB4 and MB5
    •  Transmission Rear Mount Replacement in Manual Transmission - MB4 and MB5
    •  Transmission Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 3-Speed - MB3.
    •  Transmission Rear Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4-Speed - MS7
    •  Transmission Front Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4-Speed - MS7
    •  Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side in Automatic Transmission - 4-Speed - MS7

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

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9

Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2