Sensitive Steering Diagnostic Procedure
VERIFICATIONConfirm the concern with a test drive. Be aware that:
^ Higher than usual friction makes minor steering adjustments more frequent.
^ The friction may mask the aligning torque provided by suspension and tires.
^ The steering center friction may cause memory steer and for slight steering adjustments, the steering wheel center may have a small range of locations.
^ Verify that the vehicle has proper ride heights and right attitude.
Fender Opening Heights (Ride Attitude)
Base
Front: 730.25 mm (28.75 inch)
Rear: 717.00 mm (28.25 inch)
With Handling package
Front: 723.90 mm (28.50 inch)
Rear: 711.20 mm (28.00 inch)
Police
Front: 42.95 mm (29.25 inch)
Rear: 723.9 mm (28.50 inch)
PROCEDURE
1. Check tire pressure and reset to specification.
With Michelin XW-4 and XGT-4.
Front: 206.85 kPa (30 psi)
Rear: 234.43 kPa (34 psi)
Handling Package with Goodyear Eagle GA.
Front: 220.64 kPa (32 psi)
Rear: 241.32 kPa (35 psi)
Police with Goodyear GT + 4.
Front: 241.32 kPa (35 psi)
Rear: 241.32 kPa (35 psi)
NOTE: Set front toe to 1/8 inch (or-0.125°). Toe out-total (corresponding values in inches are 0.06 or 1/16 inch).
2. Check front and rear alignment parameters. Reset caster and camber to nominal specified values.
3. Adjust the steering gear meshload to 0.9 Nm (8.0 inch lbs.) or 0.22 Nm (2.0 inch lbs.) greater than preload.
4. Loosen idler to frame bolts and gear bolts. Retighten idler and gear bolts while pushing up on the centerlink with about 333.6 N (75 lbs.) of force to take up any slack in the bolt holes.
5. Measure the gap between the front suspension lower control arm front bushing and the inner surface of the frame as shown. The gap will be at the front of the headed end of the bushing.
6. Add a shim washer(s) as required to fill this gap if it is greater than 1/16 inch (1.558 mm). Washer dimensions are:
Inside Diameter: 22.5-23.25 mm (0.886-0.915 in.).
Outside Diameter: 50-51 mm (1.969-2.008 in.).
a. Raise vehicle on hoist.
b. Inspect the front of the front bushing on the front suspension lower arm strut.
(1) If the rubber head on the bushing touches the flange on the frame, the shim is not needed and probably cannot be installed.
(2) If the gap between the rubber and the frame is wide enough that the inner sleeve of the bushing shows, shim washers may help.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE MORE THAN TWO WASHERS.
c. Measure the gap to determine if one or two washers will be needed.
d. With a jack under the front bushing, remove the bolt.
e. Lower and pry the bushing down far enough to slip the washer(s) over the bushing inner sleeve.
f. Jack and pry the bushing back into position and slip the bolt into the hole.
CAUTION: THE PLASTIC WASHER MUST NOT BE PINCHED BETWEEN THE BUSHING INNER SLEEVE AND THE FRAME.
g. Inspect to make sure the plastic washers are still in position.
h. Install the nut and tighten to maximum specification.
7. Measure the rotating torque of the Pitman arm stud by placing the steering gear sector shaft arm in a vise, double-nutting the stud and measuring the rotating torque with an inch-pound torque wrench. Rotating torque should be less than 6.77 Nm (60 inch lbs.) (breakaway torque will be slightly higher).
8. Replace steering gear sector shaft arm if necessary with a known low friction Pitman arm.