RAM 1500 Van V8-5.2L CNG VIN T (1999)
Alignment: Technical Service Bulletins
Steering Wander - Diagnosis and Correction Revised
NUMBER: 19-07-00
GROUP: Steering
DATE: September 22, 2000
SUBJECT:
Steering Wander Diagnosis
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for steering wander.
MODELS:
1998-2001 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Steering Wander Diagnosis is the diagnosis of a condition where slight steering corrections are necessary to be able to keep the vehicle moving in a
straight line.
Steering wander can be created by a number of different conditions including but not limited to the following:
^
Non-factory installed options.
^
Tires or wheels of different size.
^
Aftermarket wheels.
^
Tires that have a belt that has shifted.
^
Incorrect tire pressure.
^
A vehicle that is carrying extra added weight (e.g. tool boxes).
^
Steering and/or suspension components that are worn or damaged.
^
Wheel bearings that are loose, worn, or damaged.
^
A vehicle that is not within alignment specifications.
NOTE:
UNDER CERTAIN ROAD CONDITIONS (E.G. HIGH ROAD CROWN, GROOVED ROADS, CROSSWIND, ETC.), MAY CONTRIBUTE TO
STEERING WANDER.
The following Steering Wander Diagnosis was developed to ensure that the vehicle and its steering system components are functioning as designed and
are not the root cause of steering wander.
DIAGNOSIS:
1.
Verify that the vehicle is not equipped with non-factory installed options or equipment that may cause the vehicle to wander such as heavy
toolboxes or hardware that may cause the vehicle to exceed the front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
2.
Inspect the condition and size of all tire and wheel assemblies. Tires that are worn or damaged and/or wheels that are of a different size and/or
offset than recommended may cause the vehicle to wander and should be replaced before continuing with the diagnosis.
3.
Inflate all tires to the pressure specified in the Tire Inflation Pressure sheet (located in the glove box).
NOTE:
TIRE PRESSURES ARE NORMALLY SET TO THE LIGHT LOAD SPECIFICATION WHEN PERFORMING STEERING WANDER
DIAGNOSIS BUT, ONLY IF THE VEHICLE IS AT CURB OR LIGHT LOAD CONDITIONS.
4.
Validate the customer's concern by test driving the vehicle on a smooth highway, free of road crown, ruts, speed bumps, or potholes. Drive the
vehicle at speeds between 80 - 113 km/h (50 - 70 mph), preferably without cross wind conditions. If crosswind conditions are prevalent, drive the
vehicle in both directions relative to the crosswind. Proceed to the next step if the vehicle exhibits a steering wander condition.
NOTE:
VEHICLES THAT DO NOT EXHIBIT A STEERING WANDER CONDITION DURING THE ROAD TEST MAY HAVE HAD THE
CONDITION CORRECTED WITH STEPS 1-3 OR THE CONDITION MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ROAD CONDITIONS (E.G. HIGH
ROAD CROWN, GROOVED ROADS, ETC.).
5.
Raise the vehicle on an appropriate lift.
