GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2002 🢒 Aztek - FWD 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Poor Directional Stability

Step

Action

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Driver is unable to maintain consistent, 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.

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 the following:
    3. •  Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
    •  Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement in Front Suspension.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

Go to Step 4

System OK

4
  1. Inspect the lower control arms, ball joints and tie rods for wear or damage.
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to the following:
    3. •  Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
    •  Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
    •  Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

Go to Step 5

System OK

5

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

6
  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

7

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

8
  1. Inspect the steering gear and steering column for looseness.
  2. Repair as necessary.

Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability?

Go to Step 1

System OK