Pontiac Fiero 1988 Service Manual page 142

STEERING, SUSPENSION, TIRES AND WHEELS DIAGNOSIS 3-1
SECTION 3
S T E E R I N G , S U S P E N S I O N , T I R E S AND
W H E E L S
DIAGNOSIS
CONTENTS
General Information 3-1
General Diagnosis 3-1
Manual Rack and Pinion 3-2
Steering Column 3-3
Strut Dampener and Shock Absorber 3-8
GENERAL INFORMATION
Since the problems in steering, suspension, tires
and wheels involve several systems, they must all be
considered when diagnosing a complaint. To avoid
using the wrong symptom, always road test the car
first. Proceed with the following preliminary checks
and correct any substandard conditions which are
found.
L*
Inspect
@ Tires for wrong pressure and uneven wear
• Joints from the column to the steering gear for
loose connectors or wear
• Front and rear suspension, and the steering gear
or linkage for loose or damaged parts
• Out-of-round or out-of-balance tires, bent wheels,
and loose and/or rough wheel bearings
• Power steering system for leaks. Also check the
power steering fluid level and the pump drive belt
tension
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS
C a r Pulls (Leads)
A b n o r m a l or E x c e s s i v e Tire W e a r
13
| n s
P
e c t
• Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
• Sagging or broken springs
• Tire out of balance
• Worn strut dampener or shock absorber
Tires 3-9
Vibrations 3-10
Sealed Wheel Bearings 3-15
Trim Height 3-16
r
Hard driving
• Overloaded car
• Not rotating tires
Scuffed Tires
Inspect
• Toe incorrect
m Excessive speed on turns
• Suspension arm bent or twisted
W h e e l T r a m p
Inspect
e Blister or bump on tire
• Improper strut dampener or shock absorber
action
S h i m m y , S h a k e or Vibration
1?
Inspect
• •
m Mismatched or uneven tires
•
m Broken or sagging springs
•
m Radial tire lateral force
•
•
Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
•
•
Steering gear valve off center (unbalanced)
•
•
Front brakes dragging
Inspect
Tire or wheel out of balance
Worn wheel bearings
Worn tie rod ends
Worn lower ball joints
Excessive wheel runout
Blister or bump on tire
Excessive loaded radial runout of tire and wheel
assembly
Hard Steering (Manual)
[0
Inspect
Lack of lubrication
steering gear
Front-wheel alignment
Steering gear adjustment
ball joints, tie rod ends and