For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Value | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: The steering wheel does not return to the straight-ahead position after completing a turn.
1 | Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern. Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer? | -- | Go to step 2 | System OK
2 | Ensure the tire pressures are correct. Adjust the tire pressure as necessary. Refer to the tire placard on the driver's door lock pillar. Is the tire inflation pressure correct? | -- | Go to Step 3 | --
3 |

1. Lubricate the outer tie rods and the ball joints if applicable.
2. Inspect the suspension system for worn components or for damaged components.
3. Repair the suspension system, as necessary.
4. Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.

Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?

--

Go to Step 4

System OK

4 |

1. Check for correct wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment. Adjust as necessary.
2. Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.

Does the vehicle 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 Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer in Power Steering System or in Manual Steering Gear.
3. Use your hands in order to move the outer tie rods.

Are either of the outer tie rods abnormally difficult to move?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6 |

1. Replace the outer tie rods as necessary. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer in Power Steering System or in Manual Steering Gear.
2. Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.

Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?

--

Go to step 7

System OK

7 | Inspect for binding strut bearings and lower ball joints. Turn the front wheels side-to-side in order to rotate the strut bearing. Are either of the struts abnormally difficult to rotate? | -- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 12
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. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement in Front Suspension.
3. Use your hands in order to rotate the strut.

Is the strut abnormally difficult to rotate?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9 |

1. Replace the strut bearing. Refer to Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement in Front Suspension.
2. Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.

Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?

--

Go to Step 12

System OK

10 | Use your hands in order to rotate the steering knuckle and the ball joint. Is the steering knuckle or the ball joint abnormally difficult to rotate? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 12
11 |

1. Replace the control arm and the ball stud seal. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
2. Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.

Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?

--

Go to Step 12

System OK

12 |

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

Important: Do not rotate the steering wheel beyond one revolution.

2. Note the position of the steering wheel. Rotate the steering wheel one revolution in either direction.
3. Rotate the steering wheel to the original position.

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

-

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 1

13 |

1. Remove the bolt that retains lower steering shaft coupling. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System or to Manual Steering Gear Replacement in Manual Steering Gear.

Important: Do not rotate the steering wheel beyond 1 revolution.

2. Note the position of the steering wheel. Rotate the steering wheel 1 revolution in either direction.
3. Rotate the steering wheel to the original position.

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

-

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

14 |

1. Repair or replace the steering gear as necessary. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System or to Manual Steering Gear Replacement in Manual Steering Gear.
2. Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer's concern.

Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?

-

Go to Step 1

System OK

15 |

1. Repair or replace the steering column as necessary. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Standard.
2. Drive the vehicle in order to verify the customer concern.

Does the vehicle exhibit memory steer?

-

Go to Step 1

System OK