For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: The steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn.
1 | Did you review the system Descriptions and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2 | Verify that memory steer is present. Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer? | Go to Step 3 | System OK
3 |

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 4

System OK

4 |

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 5

System OK

5 |

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 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. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | --
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 9 | Go to step 8
8 |

1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
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 9

Go to Step 10

9 | Replace the strut bearing. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | --
10 | Use your hands in order to rotate the steering knuckle on the ball joint. Is the steering knuckle abnormally difficult to rotate? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 12
11 | Replace the lower ball joint. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | --
12 |

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 13

Go to Step 16

13 |

1. Disconnect the steering column from the steering gear.

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.

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

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

14 | Replace the steering gear as necessary. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | --
15 | Replace the steering column as necessary. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Standard or to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | --
16 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3