Pontiac Fiero 1988 Service Manual page 143

3-2
STEERING, SUSPENSION, TIRES AND WHEELS DIAGNOSIS
Too Much Play In Steering
Inspect • if
© Wheel bearings worn
• Loose steering gear mounting
• Joints from column to steering gear loose or worn
• Steering gear adjustment
Poor Returnability (Manual)
Inspect
if
• Lack of lubrication - ball joints and tie rod ends
• Bind in ball joints
• Bind in steering column
• Lack of lubricant in steering gear
• Front-wheel alignment
• Steering gear adjustment
Abnormal Noise, Front End
Inspect
Lubrication - ball joints and tie rod ends
Damaged suspension components
Worn control arm bushings or tie rod ends
Loose stabilizer shaft
Loose wheel nuts
Loose suspension bolts
Wheel covers
Steering gear adjustment
Worn strut dampener, shock absorbers or
mountings
• Spring improperly positioned
Wander or Poor Steering Stability
If
m
Inspect
Mismatched or uneven tires
Lubrication - ball joints and tie rod ends
Worn strut dampeners or shock absorbers
Loose stabilizer shaft
Broken or sagging springs
Steering gear adjustment
Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
Erratic Steering When Braking
Inspect If
• Wheel bearings worn
m Broken or sagging springs
• Leaking wheel cylinder or caliper
• Warped rotors
• Incorrect or uneven caster
Low Or Uneven Trim Height
f9 Inspect
m Broken or sagging springs
• Overloaded car
m Incorrect or weak springs
Ride Too Soft
| # Inspect
# Worn strut dampeners or shock absorbers
m Incorrect or sagging springs
Ride Too Harsh
if
Inspect
• Incorrect strut dampeners or shock absorbers
• Incorrect springs
Body Leans Or Sways In Corners
L*
Inspect
• Loose stabilizer shaft
• Worn strut dampeners, shock absorbers or
mounting
• Broken or sagging springs
m Overloaded car
Suspension Bottoms
l&
Inspect
• Overloaded car
• Worn strut dampeners or shock absorbers
• Incorrect, broken or sagging spring
' D o g " T r a c k i n g
Inspect
m Damaged rear suspension arm or worn bushings
• Bent rear axle
• Frame or underbody alignment incorrect
MANUAL RACK AND PINION
STEERING GEAR DIAGNOSIS
Excessive Play or Looseness in Steering System
Inspect
• Steering gear adjustment
• Wheel bearings worn
• Tie rod end loose
» Loose steering gear mounting
Rattle or Chucking Noise in Steering Gear
if
Inspect
• Insufficient or improper lubricant in steering gear
• Loose steering gear mounting
• Rack bearing adjustment loose