GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Poor Directional Stability

Step

Action

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Driver is unable to maintain consistent, predictable vehicle driving control in any direction.

1

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

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

2

Verify that the directional stability is poor.

Does the system operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3

3

Inspect the front stabilizer for the following conditions:

    •  Stabilizer fasteners for looseness--Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
    •  Worn or damaged stabilizer or stabilizer bushings--Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
    •  Damaged or missing stabilizer links--Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect the following suspension and steering components for wear or damage:

    •  Control arms--Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement or Lower Control Arm Replacement .
    •  Ball joints--Refer to Ball Joint Inspection .
    • Tie rod ends--Refer to Tie Rod Replacement .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect the wheel bearing. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect the steering column for looseness. Refer to Looseness in Steering Column .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the steering gear for the following conditions:

    • Steering gear mounting bolts for looseness--Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
    • Pitman shaft over-center adjustment--Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect and adjust the wheel alignment as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .

Did you complete the alignment?

Go to Step 10

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10

Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3