GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Lead/Pull Correction Table

Step

Action

Yes

No

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:

    â€¢ Poor tire construction
    â€¢ Uneven brake assemblies
    â€¢ Improper tire and wheel alignment in the front tires - rear tires will not cause lead

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 mistaken for tire lead.

1

Inspect and repair/replace the tire/wheel assemblies for the following conditions:

    â€¢ Correct tire pressure
    â€¢ Excessive/uneven tire wear
    â€¢ Correct tire size
    â€¢ Excessive radial/lateral wheel runout
    â€¢ Out of balance

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 2

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2

Inspect and repair the front and rear suspensions for the following conditions:

    â€¢ Damage
    â€¢ Excessive wear
    â€¢ Loose components
    â€¢ Excessive wheel bearing play

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 3

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3

Inspect and repair the power steering gear and pump for the following conditions:

    â€¢ Damage
    â€¢ Excessive wear

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 4

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4

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

Does the vehicle still lead/pull?

Go to Step 5

System OK

5

Does the vehicle lead/pull in the opposite direction?

Go to Step 6

Go to Braking Action Uneven - Pulls to One Side

6

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

Does the vehicle still lead/pull?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

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

Does the vehicle still lead/pull?

Go to Braking Action Uneven - Pulls to One Side

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the left rear tire.

Is the repair complete?

System OK

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9

Replace the right rear tire.

Is the repair complete?

System OK

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