For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
Vehicle lead or pull is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with no pressure on the steering wheel. Use the lead/pull correction table in order to verify that incorrect wheel alignment or worn components are not mistaken for tire lead.
1 | Drive the vehicle on a smooth and level road in order to verify the concern. Does the vehicle lead or pull? | Go to Step 2 | System OK
2 | Inspect the tires and the wheels for the following conditions:

• | The tire pressure is incorrect. Refer to the tire placard on the drivers door lock pillar.

• | The tire size is incorrect. Refer to the tire placard on the drivers door lock pillar.

Are the tire pressures and the tire sizes incorrect?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3 | Repair or replace the tire and wheel assemblies as necessary. Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 14 | --
4 | Inspect the front suspension and the rear suspension for the following conditions:

• | The vehicle trim height is incorrect. Refer to Trim Height Inspection .

• | The suspension components are loose or worn. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection in Front Suspension or to Suspension Component Inspection in Rear Suspension.

• | The wheel bearing looseness is greater than the specification. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis

Do any of the above conditions exist?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5 | Repair or replace components as necessary.

• | Tighten components to specifications. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension or Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.

• | Replace the wheel bearings, if necessary. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement in Front Suspension or to Axle Shaft Replacement in Rear Drive Axle.

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 14

--

6 | Inspect the Brake system for Brake drag. Refer to Brakes Drag in Hydraulic Brakes. Do the brakes drag? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 8
7 | Repair or replace components as necessary. Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 14 | --
8 | Inspect the steering effort in both directions with the vehicle parked on a smooth level surface. Is the steering effort very light in the direction of the lead and heavy in the opposite direction? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 10
9 | Replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering. Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 14 | --
10 | Measure the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment. Is the wheel alignment correct? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11
11 | Adjust alignment to specifications. Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 14 | --
12 |

1. Cross-switch the front tire and wheel assemblies.
2. Road test the vehicle on a smooth level surface.

Does the vehicle lead or pull?

Go to Step 13

System OK

13 | Does the vehicle lead or pull in the opposite direction? | Go to Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction in Tires and Wheels | Go to Step 14
14 | Verify proper system operation. Does the vehicle lead or pull? | Go to Step 1 | System Ok