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
the tire placard on the driver's door lock pillar.
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. Adjust as necessary.
- 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
in General Information.
- 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 and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the 2 bolts and the 2 nuts from the lower strut
in order to disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle.
- 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 Assembly 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 control arm. Refer to
Lower Control Arm 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 steering shaft coupling. Refer to
Lower Steering Shaft Assembly Replacement
in
Steering Wheel and Column - Standard or
Lower Steering Shaft Assembly 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 17
|
Go to Step 14
|
14
|
- Disconnect the lower steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to
Lower Steering Shaft Assembly Replacement
in Steering Wheel and Column - Standard or
Lower Steering Shaft Assembly Replacement
in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
- Rotate the lower steering shaft.
Was the lower steering shaft difficult to rotate in either direction?
| --
|
Go to Step 15
|
Go to Step 16
|
15
|
- Repair or replace the lower steering shaft as necessary. Refer to
Lower Steering Shaft Assembly Replacement
in Steering Wheel and Column - Standard or
Lower Steering Shaft Assembly 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
|
16
|
- Repair or replace 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
|
17
|
- Repair or replace the steering column as necessary. Refer to
Steering Column Replacement
in Steering Wheel and Column
- Standard or
Steering Column 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
|
