Pinpoint Tests

Suspension System

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test A: Vehicle Drifts/Pulls

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- Unevenly loaded vehicle

- Tire pressure

- Tire forces

- Brake drag

- Incorrect vehicle alignment

- Steering system

PINPOINT TEST A : VEHICLE DRIFTS/PULLS

A1 CHECK FOR UNEVENLY LOADED VEHICLE

- Visually check the vehicle for an uneven loading condition.

Is the vehicle unevenly loaded?

Yes
ADVISE the customer of uneven loading condition.

No
GO to A2.

A2 CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURES AND TIRE CONDITIONS

- Check the tire pressures. Refer to the VC (Vehicle Certification) label located on the driver door jamb. Check the tires for uneven/abnormal wear. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing - Wheels and Tires Testing and Inspection.

Are the tire pressures and tire conditions OK?

Yes
GO to A3.

No
ADJUST the tire pressures to the specified pressure or INSTALL new tires as necessary.

A3 ISOLATE TIRE DRIFT/PULL CONDITION

- NOTE: It is important to determine if tire forces are the cause of a drift/pull condition. Changing the position of the wheel and tire assemblies on the vehicle may correct a pull/drift condition. A tire or tires that are causing a drift/pull should not be removed from service unless it has been determined that the tire(s) are worn beyond specification. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing - Wheels and Tires Testing and Inspection.

Cross the front wheel and tire assemblies from left-to-right.

Does the vehicle drift/pull?

Yes
If the vehicle drifts/pulls in the opposite direction, tire forces are causing the drift/pull. ROTATE the wheel and tire assemblies front-to-rear. REFER to Wheels and Tires. If the vehicle drifts/pulls in the same direction, GO to A4.

No
Tire forces were causing the drift/pull and the concern has been corrected.

A4 CHECK SUBFRAME ALIGNMENT

- NOTE: RH and LH dimensions are identical. All measurements on center.

Using the following measurements, check the subframe alignment.
- Location 1- 260 mm (10.236 in).
- Location 2- 666 mm (26.22 in).






Is the subframe aligned correctly?

Yes
GO to A5.

No
REMOVE and DISCARD the 2 rearward subframe bolts. LOOSEN the 2 forward subframe bolts. Using the measurements listed above, ALIGN the subframe. TIGHTEN the 2 forward subframe bolts to 60 Nm (44 lb-ft). TIGHTEN the 2 new rearward subframe bolts to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft). TIGHTEN the 2 new rearward subframe bolts an additional 240 degrees.

Vehicle wheel alignment must be reset after the subframe is moved. ADJUST the alignment as necessary. REFER to General Procedures.

A5 CHECK FOR BRAKE DRAG

- Spin all four wheel and tire assemblies by hand and check for brake drag.

Do the wheels spin freely?

Yes
GO to A6.

No
REFER to Brakes and Traction Control to diagnose brake drag condition.

A6 CHECK THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT

- Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, check the wheel alignment.

Is the wheel alignment out of specification?

Yes
ADJUST the alignment as necessary. REFER to General Procedures.

No
REFER to Steering to diagnose steering system drift/pull/wander condition.