Procedure

When a customer complains of steering drift, use the following procedures to diagnose and correct the condition. Refer to the flowchart for steering drift diagnosis steps for affected vehicles.







On offset lower compression arms, the mounting holes in the rear bushing are off-center as shown.

IMPORTANT:
Refer to the diagnosis chart. Perform all applicable steps of this procedure in the order described. When test driving, the road surface should be dry and level. Avoid test drives in windy conditions.

1. Check the tire inflation pressures. On affected vehicles, cold tire inflation pressure specifications are 32 psi (front), and 29 psi (rear). Adjust tire inflation pressures as needed.

2. Check the wheel alignment of the vehicle. Refer to section 33A of the appropriate service manual for specifications. Adjust wheel alignment as needed.

3. Test drive the vehicle at highway speeds.

^ If steering drift is not observed, return the vehicle to the customer.
^ If steering drift is observed, go to Step 4.




4. Cross-switch the front tires. Then test drive the vehicle again at highway speeds.

^ If steering drift is not detected, return the vehicle to the customer.
^ If steering drift is observed, continue with Step 5.




5. a. If steering drift is to the left, replace the front suspension lower compression arms. Refer to the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin for part numbers. Refer to section 33 in the appropriate service manual for replacement instructions. Then continue with Step 7.

NOTE:
On vehicles originally equipped with offset lower compression arms (refer to the chart shown in this bulletin), steering drift to the left may be corrected by installing a standard compression arm on the left side only.

b. If steering drift is to the right, install offset lower compression arms on both sides.

6. Check the front toe-in reading of the vehicle and ensure the steering wheel is centered. If needed, adjust the wheel alignment and center the steering wheel.

7. Test drive the vehicle at highway speeds.

a. If steering drift is not observed, return the vehicle to the customer.

b. If offset lower compression arms were just installed on both sides, and steering drift to the left is observed:

(1) Install a standard lower compression arm on the left side only.

(2) Check the front toe-in reading and ensure the steering wheel is centered. If needed, adjust the wheel alignment and center the steering wheel.

c. On 1994 Galants with VIN RE030500 and lower only, if steering drift to the right is observed, go to Step 8.




8. Determine if adding 0.50 positive camber to the left wheel and 0.50 negative camber to the right wheel will correct the overall front camber reading to specification of 0° 0.50°







If adding these values will bring the front camber into specification, replace both the right and left upper control arms with the parts specified in the second chart in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin, Refer to replacement instructions on pages 33A-6 and 33A-7 of the 1994-95 Galant Service Manual. The new upper control arms are different than the original parts. The new parts will change the front camber reading.

CAUTION
To avoid uneven tire wear, do not install the new upper control arms unless the final camber reading will be within specification.

9. If needed, center the steering wheel.

10. Test drive the vehicle at highway speed.