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

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

Verify that memory steer is present.

Does the system operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3

Check the tire inflation and adjust to specifications. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

Did you adjust the tire pressure?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 4

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 16

Go to Step 5

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

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

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 10

1. Remove the steering column pinch bolt in order to disengage the column from the steering system.

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 15

Go to Step 7

1. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tire and Wheel.
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 11

Go to Step 8

Inspect for binding strut bearings or ball joints. Use your hands to rotate the steering knuckle inboard and outboard.

Are either of the steering knuckles abnormally difficult to move?

Go to Step 9

Go to step 14

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 12

Go to Step 13

Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Did you complete the wheel alignment?

Go to Step 16

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

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 16

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Replace the strut bearing. Refer to Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement in Front Suspension.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 16

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Replace the damaged ball joint. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement or Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 16

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

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 16

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

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 16

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Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3