DEFINITION: The steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn.

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

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

Verify that memory steer is present.

Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?

Go to Step 3

System OK

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Lubricate the tie rod ends and the ball joints if applicable.
3. Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components.
4. Repair as necessary.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 4

1. Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in both directions.
2. Rotate the steering wheel to the original position.

Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

1. Disconnect the steering column from the steering gear.

Important: Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution.

2. Note the position of the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in both directions.
3. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position.

Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 6

1. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
2. Disconnect both of the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
3. Use your hands in order to move the tie rod ends.

Are either of the tie rod ends abnormally difficult to move?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

Inspect for binding strut bearings or lower ball joints. Use your hands in order to rotate the steering knuckles.

Are either of the steering knuckles abnormally difficult to move?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 13

1. Disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle.
2. Use your hands to rotate the strut.

Is the strut abnormally difficult to rotate?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

Measure the wheel alignment. Adjust the wheel alignment if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Did you complete the wheel alignment?

Go to Step 15

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Replace the outer tie rod end as necessary. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

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Replace the strut bearing. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement in Front Suspension.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

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Replace the lower ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

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Replace the steering gear as necessary. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

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Replace the steering column as necessary. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

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Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3