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

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 4

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1. Lubricate the tie rod ends and the ball joints if applicable.
2. Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components.
3. Repair as necessary.
4. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?

Go to Step 5

System OK

1. Check for proper wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment. Adjust as necessary.
2. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?

Go to Step 6

System OK

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
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 7

Go to Step 8

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

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 17

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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 10

Go to Step 9

1. Remove the tire/wheel.
2. Disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle.
3. Use your hands to rotate the strut.

Is the strut abnormally difficult to rotate?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

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

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 17

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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 12

Go to Step 13

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

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 17

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1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction.
3. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position.

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

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 17

1. Disconnect the intermediate shaft.

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 either direction.
3. 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 16

Go to Step 15

1. Repair the steering gear as necessary. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
2. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 17

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Repair the steering column as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 17

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Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3