Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1353

19 - 6 STEERING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Tires not
inflated to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment.
3. Lack of lubrication in front
suspension control arm ball joints.
4. Steering column U-joints
misaligned.
5.
Mispositioned dash cover.
6. Steering wheel rubbing.
7. Damaged, mis-positioned or
un-lubricated steering column
coupler to dash seal.
8. Binding upper strut bearing.
9. Tight shaft bearing
in steering column assembly.
10. Excessive friction in steering
column coupler.
11. Excessive friction in steering
gear.
CORRECTION
1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Check and adjust as necessary.
3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints
are not a lubricated for life type of
ball joint. If ball joint is a lubricated
for life ball joint, replace ball joint or
control arm.
4. Realign steering column U-joints.
5. Reposition dash cover.
To
evaluate items 6 and 7, disconnect
the intermediate shaft. Turn the
steering wheel and feel or listen for
internal rubbing in steering column.
6. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
7. Determine condition which exists
and correct.
8. Correct
binding condition in strut bearing.
9. Replace the steering column
assembly.
10. Replace steering column coupler.
11. Replace steering gear.
PL