DEFINITION: The steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn.

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

Verify that memory steer is present.

Does the system operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3

1. Lubricate the tie rod ends and the ball joints if applicable.
2. Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components.
3. Repair as necessary.
4. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?

Go to Step 4

System OK

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 Replacement in Steering Linkage.
3. Use your hands in order to move the steering linkage to check for a binding condition.

Is the steering linkage abnormally difficult to move?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

Replace the steering linkage as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 6

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Use your hands in order to rotate the steering knuckle/ball joints.

Is the steering knuckle/ball joints abnormally difficult to rotate?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

Replace the upper or lower ball joint. Refer to the appropriate procedures in front Suspension:

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 8

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1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction.
3. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position.

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

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 11

1. Disconnect the intermediate shaft.

Important: Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution.

2. Note the position of the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction.
3. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position as previously noted.

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

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

Repair the steering column as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 12

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1. Repair the steering gear as necessary. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
2. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 12

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1. Check for proper wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment. Adjust as necessary.
2. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 13

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Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3