Step
| Action
| Value(s)
| Yes
| No
|
DEFINITION: The
steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn.
|
1
| Road
test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.
Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to step 2
| System OK
|
2
| Ensure that all
of the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Refer to
Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications
in Maintenance and Lubrication.
Has the inspection/adjustment been performed?
| --
|
Go to Step 3
| --
|
3
|
- Lubricate the tie rod ends and the ball joints if applicable.
- Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components.
Repair as necessary.
- Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.
Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 4
| System OK
|
4
|
- Check for proper wheel alignment. Refer to
Wheel Alignment Measurement
in Wheel Alignment.
- Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.
Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 5
| System OK
|
5
|
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
.
- 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.
- 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 6
|
Go to Step 7
|
6
|
- Replace the outer tie rod end(s) as necessary. Refer to
Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement
in Power Steering
System.
- Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.
Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to step 7
| System OK
|
7
| Inspect for binding
strut bearings and lower ball joints. Use your hands to push and pull the
front of the wheels inboard and outboard.
Are either of the struts abnormally difficult to move?
| --
|
Go to Step 8
|
Go to Step 12
|
8
|
- Remove the tire/wheel.
- Disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle. Refer to
Strut Assembly Replacement
in Front Suspension.
- Use your hands to rotate the strut.
Is the strut abnormally difficult to rotate?
| --
|
Go to Step 9
|
Go to Step 10
|
9
|
- Replace the strut bearing. Refer to
Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement
in Front Suspension.
- Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.
Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 12
| System OK
|
10
| Use your hands
in order to rotate the steering knuckle/ball joint.
Is the steering knuckle/ball joint abnormally difficult to rotate?
| --
|
Go to Step 11
|
Go to Step 12
|
11
|
- Replace the lower ball joint. Refer to
Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement
in Front Suspension.
- Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.
Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 12
| System OK
|
12
|
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in General Information.
- Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction.
- Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position.
Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?
| --
|
Go to Step 13
|
Go to Step 1
|
13
|
- Disconnect the intermediate shaft. Refer to
Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement
in Steering Wheel and
Column - Tilt.
Important: Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution.
- Note the position of the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel
ONE revolution in either direction.
- Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position as previously
noted.
Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?
| --
|
Go to Step 15
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
|
- Repair the steering gear as necessary. Refer to
Steering Gear Replacement
in Power Steering System.
- Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.
Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 1
| System OK
|
15
|
- Repair the steering column as necessary. Refer to
Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement
in Steering Wheel and
Column - Tilt.
- Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.
Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?
| --
|
Go to Step 1
| System OK
|
