For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: On a smooth, flat road, the vehicle has a left or right steering force that is eliminated when the driver places the transaxle in Neutral. The magnitude of the steering force is usually (but not always) dependent on the amount of torque which is applied to the engine. Torque steer at constant highway speed is frequently mistaken for lead/pulls.
1 | Did you road test the vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Road test the vehicle
2 | Inspect the driving wheel tires. Do the driving wheel tires have the same size, make and equal tread depth? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 19
3 | Adjust the tire pressure to specifications. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 4 | --
4 | Inspect the front suspension. Refer to Front Suspension. Does the front suspension show signs of worn or damaged parts? | -- | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 5
5 |

1. Drive the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat (crown-free) road surface at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph).
2. Shift the transaxle to Neutral gear and allow the vehicle to coast.
3. Momentarily release the steering wheel and note any change in the direction of travel.
4. Repeat this road test in each direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by road crowns and crosswinds is normal.

Does the vehicle lead/pull with the transaxle in Neutral?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 6

6 |

1. Place the transaxle in Drive gear.
2. Lightly accelerate the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat (crown-free) road surface at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph). Momentarily release the steering wheel.
3. Repeat this road test in each direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by road crowns and crosswinds is normal.

Does the vehicle noticeably deviate from a straight path in Drive?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 18

7 |

1. Swap the front tire/wheel assemblies.
2. Lightly accelerate the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat (crown-free) road surface at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph). Momentarily release the steering wheel.
3. Repeat this road test in each direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by road crowns and crosswinds is normal.

Does the vehicle torque steer in the opposite direction?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 12

8 |

1. Swap the left front tire/wheel assembly with the left rear tire/wheel assembly.
2. Lightly accelerate the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat (crown-free) road surface at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph). Momentarily release the steering wheel.
3. Repeat this road test in each direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by road crowns and crosswinds is normal.

Does the vehicle still have torque steer?

--

Go to Step 9

Vehicle OK

9 |

1. Swap the right front tire/wheel assembly with the right rear tire/wheel assembly.
2. Lightly accelerate the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat (crown-free) road surface at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph). Momentarily release the steering wheel.
3. Repeat this road test in each direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by road crowns and crosswinds is normal.

Does the vehicle still have torque steer?

--

Go to Step 10

Vehicle OK

10 |

1. Position the tire/wheel assembly back to their original positions.
2. Measure Z height. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .

Is the left to right difference less than the specified value?

6 mm (0.24")

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 13

11 | Measure the transaxle height as shown in the figure. Is the left to right difference less than the specified value? | 6 mm (0.24") | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 15
12 | Measure Z height. Is the left to right difference less than the specified value? | 6 mm (0.24") | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 13
13 |

1. Correct the Z height.
2. Correct the camber.
3. Correct the toe.
4. Lightly accelerate the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat (crown-free) road surface at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph). Momentarily release the steering wheel.
5. Repeat this road test in each direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by road crowns and crosswinds is normal.

Does the vehicle still have torque steer?

--

Go to Step 11

Vehicle OK

14 | The probable cause of the torque steer condition is that the front wheel alignment is out of specification. Refer to the Wheel Alignment section. Is the action complete? | -- | Vehicle OK | --
15 |

1. Correct the height difference by shimming or replacing the powertrain mounts.
2. Lightly accelerate the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat (crown-free) road surface at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph). Momentarily release the steering wheel.
3. Repeat this road test in each direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by road crowns and crosswinds is normal.

Does the vehicle still have torque steer?

--

Go to Step 14

Vehicle OK

16 | Refer to the lead/pull diagnosis table in this section for further diagnosis. Is the action complete? | -- | Vehicle OK | --
17 | Repair the front suspension components as necessary. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 5 | --
18 | Diagnose the vehicle for a memory steer condition. Is the action complete? | -- | Vehicle OK | --
19 | Install driving tires with the same size, make, and equal tread depth. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 3 | --