Cavalier L4-2.2L VIN 4 (1998)
Alignment: Testing and Inspection
Torque Steer
Some degree of torque steer to the right may normally be experienced during heavy throttle application on some front-wheel-drive vehicles that do not
have equal length drive axles. This is due to the right drive axle being longer than the left axle and the associated difference in axle angle. Vehicles with
intermediate shaft assemblies have almost equal length axles. A difference in axle length results in more torque toe-in effect to the left front wheel. This
condition can be noticed when accelerating from a standing start or at lower speeds. A simple measurement in order to determine the degree of torque
steer is to place a small piece of tape at the top center of the steering wheel. Drive the vehicle and note the inches of steering wheel deflection required in
order to steer the vehicle straight under heavy acceleration. A comparison of like vehicles will then determine if a particular vehicle has a greater than
normal degree of torque steer. The following factors may cause the torque steer to be more apparent on a particular vehicle:
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A large difference in the right and the left front tire pressure.
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A slightly smaller diameter tire on the right front will increase a right torque lead. Inspect the front tires for a difference in brand, construction, or
size. If the tires appear similar, change the front tires side to side and re-test the vehicle. The tire and the wheel assemblies have the most
significant effect on torque steer correction.
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Any looseness in control arm bushings, tie rod assemblies or steering gear mounting which permits a front wheel to pull forward and toe-in under
torque more than the opposite side. A loose suspension component may also result in an opposite lead on deceleration.
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High front trim height which would increase drive axle angle.
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Binding or tight drive axle joints. A tight joint or high front trim height may also exhibit a wobble condition between 24 and 48 km/h (14 and 30
mph)
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Incorrect, worn, or loose engine mounts causing adverse drive axle angles.
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Unequal engine/transmission height from the left side to the right side of the vehicle. If a difference from side to side is more than 6 mm (17/64 in)
, change the trim heights by installing a stronger spring in the side which is lower, or a weaker spring in the side which is shorter than the specified
Z heights. Replace the mounts. Do not shim the engine mounts as this may cause other symptoms.
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On occasion, side-to-side trim height differences may be the result of a faulty stabilizer shaft. In order to check this, disconnect the stabilizer links
and re-measure the trim heights. If the side-to-side difference is corrected, replace the stabilizer shaft. If there is no change in the trim height, do
not change the stabilizer shaft. A trim height difference of more than 6 mm (17/64 in), indicates a possible bent stabilizer shaft, attaching links, or
a bent suspension component that may need replacement.
The following conditions affect the vehicle handling and/or effect a constant right or left lead separate from torque steer causes. The existence of one or
more of these conditions may compound a torque steer complaint.
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Incorrect front-wheel alignment or a rear-wheel alignment condition which would cause the vehicle to track incorrectly. A difference in the front
wheel to rear wheel measurement compared side to side may indicate a dog track condition or one front wheel ahead of the other due to a
misalignment or other condition. A substantial caster difference is an indication of misalignment or an other condition. Front-wheel caster should
be equal or within the specifications and the camber may be biased slightly in order to offset a lead condition.
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Suspension support misalignment. Refer to UNDERBODY, which lists measurement points in order to determine proper underbody alignment.
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Front suspension damage, such as a bent strut.
