GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

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

1

Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle exhibit poor directional stability?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK

2

  1. Ensure that the tires are all the same size, make, and adequate tread depth.
  2. Repair as necessary.
  3. Ensure that all of the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  4. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

--

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

  1. Inspect the stabilizer shaft, links, and insulators for wear or damage.
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
  3. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

--

Go to Step 4

System OK

4

  1. Inspect the lower control arms, the ball joints and the tie rods for wear or damage.
  2. Repair as necessary.
  3. • Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering.
  4. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

--

Go to Step 5

System OK

5

  1. Inspect the wheel bearings/hubs for looseness or excessive lateral runout.
  2. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

--

Go to Step 6

System OK

6

  1. Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height .
  2. Repair as necessary.
  3. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

  1. Inspect and adjust the wheel alignment as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.
  2. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

--

Go to Step 8

System OK

8

  1. Inspect the steering gear and steering column for looseness.
  2. Repair as necessary.
  3. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

--

Go to Step 1

System OK