Steering, Suspension, Wheels And Tires; Car Pulls (Leads) - Pontiac TRANS AM 1977 Service Manual

STEERING
.
SUSPENSION
.
WHEELS AND TIRES 3-
1
SECTION
3
STEERING. SUSPENSION. WHEELS AND
TIRES
DIAGNOSIS
.........................................................................................................
3-1
FRONT E N D ALIGNMENT
..........................................................................
3A-1
STEERING LINKAGE
..................................................................................
3B1-1
MANUAL STEERING GEAR
......................................................................
3B2-1
POWER STEERING GEAR A N D PUMP
..................................................
3B3-1
STEERING WHEELS & COLUMNS
...........................................................
3B4-1
FRONT SUSPENSION
.....................................................................................
3C-1
REAR SUSPENSION
.......................................................................................
3D-1
WHEELS A N D TIRES
.....................................................................................
3E-1
DIAGNOSIS
CONTENTS OF THIS SECTION
General Diagnosis
.....................................................................................................
Linkage Diagnosis
....................................................................................................
Manual Steering Gear Diagnosis
.............................................................................
Power Steering Pump and Gear Diagnosis
.............................................................
Steering Column Diagnosis
......................................................................................
Steering Column Lock System Diagnosis
................................................................
Steering Column Signal Switch Diagnosis
..............................................................
Ignition Switch Diagnosis
........................................................................................
Key Buzzer Diagnosis
..............................................................................................
Dimmer Switch Diagnosis
........................................................................................
Power Steering Leak Diagnosis
...............................................................................
Power Steering System Test Procedure
...................................................................
Wheel Bearing Diagnosis
.........................................................................................
Shock Absorber Diagnosis
.......................................................................................
Tire Diagnosis
...........................................................................................................
Irregular and/or Premature Wear Diagnosis
........................................................
Radial Tire Waddle
..................................................................................................
Radial Tire Lead Diagnosis
.....................................................................................
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS
Since the problems in steering. suspension. wheels and
tires 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 defects which
are found
.
1
.
Tires for proper pressure and uneven wear
.
2
.
Steering couplings and universal joints from column
to gear for loose connectors or wear .
4
.
Spin front wheels
.
Check for out-of-round tires. out
of balance tires. bent rims. loose and/or rough wheel
bearings .
5
.
Oil leaks on power steering. power steering fluid level
and pump drive belt tension
.
Car Pulls (Leads)
1 . Mismatched or uneven tires .
2
.
Broken or sagging springs
.
3.' Radial tire lateral force .
4
.
Front end alignment
.
3
.
Raise car on a hoist and check front and rear
5 . Rear axle alignment .
suspension and linkage for loose or damaged parts
.
6
.
Steering gear valve off center (unbalanced)
.