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, links, and insulators for wear or damage.
2. Replace as necessary.

Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.

Refer to 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 rod ends for wear or damage.
2. Repair as necessary.

Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.

Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.

Refer to 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 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

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

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 10

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Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3