GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

When diagnosing vehicle ride/handling complaints, it is often necessary to treat the vehicle as an entire system, due to the fact that many subsystems (such as the front and rear suspensions, steering, tires and wheels) can contribute to ride/handling problems. Because of this, comprehensive ride/handling problem diagnosis must consider all these systems. Once a diagnosis has been made, reference the appropriate service manual for further service information.

Complaint/Condition

Possible Causes

Corrections

Vehicle pulls

Mismatched, unevenly worn, or improperly inflated tires

Replace or inflate tires correctly.

Improper front or rear wheel alignment

Perform wheel alignment.

Worn or bent suspension components

Replace components.

Worn wheel bearings

Replace wheel bearings.

Steering gear out of adjustment or worn

Replace or adjust steering gear.

Sagging springs

Replace damaged springs.

Worn struts

Replace worn struts.

Abnormal or excessive tire wear

Worn suspension components

Replace components.

Hard driving

Advise customer.

Tires improperly inflated

Inflate tires correctly.

Worn struts

Replace worn struts.

Excessive body roll/pitching

Front stabilizer shaft bent or broken

Replace front stabilizer shaft.

Rear stabilizer shaft or stabilizer bar links bent or broken

Replace rear stabilizer bar/stabilizer shaft links.

Broken or sagging springs

Replace damaged springs.

Tires improperly inflated

Inflate tires correctly.

Struts worn

Replace worn struts.

Suspension bottoming

Broken or sagging springs

Replace damaged springs.

Struts worn

Replace worn struts.

Front wheel shimmy

Tires worn, out of round, or improperly inflated

Replace or inflate tires.

Wheels out of balance

Balance wheels.

Worn struts

Replace worn struts.

Wheel bearings worn

Replace worn bearings.

Ball studs worn

Replace worn ball studs.

Lower control arm bushings worn or damaged

Replace lower control arms.

Front stabilizer shaft bushings worn or damaged

Replace worn or damaged bushings.