Workshop Manual

3E–4
WHEEL AND TIRE SYSTEM
Condition CorrectionPossible cause
Hard Steering
Bind in steering linkage ball studs,
upper or lower ball joint.
Replace ball joint.
Improper wheel alignment. Check wheel alignment.
Tire not adequately inflated. Inflate tires to proper pressure.
Bind in steering column or shaft. Repair or replace.
Improper power steering system
operation.
Repair or replace. Refer to Steering
section.
Too Much Play In Steering
Wheel bearings worn. Replace wheel bearings.
Loose steering unit or linkage. Retighten or repair.
Worn or loose steering shaft
universal joint.
Retighten or replace steering shaft.
Worn steering linkage ball joints. Replace ball joints.
Worn upper or lower end ball joints. Replace ball joints.
Poor Steering Wheel Returnability
Bind in steering linkage ball joints. Replace ball joints.
Bind in upper or lower ball joints. Replace ball joints.
Bind in steering column and shaft. Repair or replace.
Bind in steering gear. Check and repair steering gear.
Improper wheel alignment. Adjust wheel alignment.
Tires not adequately inflated. Adjust pressure.
Loose steering wheel nut. Retighten.
Worn wheel bearing. Replace.
Abnormal Noise
Worn, sticky or loose upper or lower
ball joint, steering linkage ball joints
or drive axle joints.
Replace.
Faulty shock absorbers. Replace.
Worn upper or lower control arm
bushing.
Replace.
Loose stabilizer bar. Retighten bolts or replace bushings.
Loose wheel nuts. Tighten nuts. Check for elongated
wheel nut holes. Replace wheel if
required.
Loose suspension bolts or nuts. Retighten suspension bolts or nuts.
Broken or otherwise damaged wheel
bearings.
Replace wheel bearing.
Broken suspension springs. Replace spring.
Loose steering unit. Retighten mounting bolt.
Faulty steering unit. Replace steering unit.
Wandering or Poor Steering Stability
Mismatched or unevenly worn tires. Replace tire or inflate tires to proper
pressure.
Loose steering linkage ball joints. Replace ball joints.
Faulty shock absorbers. Replace shock absorber.
Loose stabilizer bar. Tighten or replace stabilizer bar or
bushings.
Broken or sagging springs. Replace spring (pairs).
Improper wheel alignment. Adjust wheel alignment.