Windstar V6-232 3.8L (1995)
CUSTOMER ROAD TEST
Test drive the vehicle with the customer to understand the pull or drift concern. Sometimes they may mistakenly call a clear vision concern a pull or drift
concern because the steering wheel is not straight.
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The road test should be done on a flat, straight road (with no crown) and should be done in both directions to account for wind.
NOTE:
THIS TSB ARTICLE SHOULD BE READ COMPLETELY BEFORE PERFORMING DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE # 1 - VEHICLE INSPECTION
1.
Check that all four (4) tires are of the same size and all four (4) rims are identical. Non-standard tire sizes can affect the handling of any vehicle.
2.
Check the tire pressure of all four (4) tires. Refer to the Certification Label for correct pressures and adjust as needed.
3.
Inspect each tire for uneven or excessive wear. Replace as needed.
4.
Inspect the power steering fluid pump level and belt condition as directed by the Windstar Service Manual, Page 11-00-6, Preliminary Procedures.
5.
Raise the vehicle and make sure the brakes are not dragging on each of the four (4) wheels. Do this, with the help of an assistant, by starting the
vehicle and applying and releasing the brakes. With the engine still running, spin the front wheels by hand. The wheels should freely complete two
(2) revolutions. Repeat this procedure for the rear wheels after applying and releasing the parking brake. Diagnose and repair the brake system as
directed by the 1996 Windstar Service Manual, Section 06.
6.
Evaluate the front and rear wheel bearing for correct adjustment. Follow the Suspension Service Procedure in the 1996 Windstar Service Manual,
Pages 04-00-8 and 9. Use Pinpoint Test G: Vibration, Steps G2, G3, G4, G5.
7.
Evaluate the condition of the halfshaft Constant Velocity (CV) joints as directed by the 1996 Windstar Service Manual, Page 05-04-4, Diagnosis
and Testing - Inspection and Verification.
8.
Inspect the lower ball joints as directed by the 1996 Windstar Service Manual, Page 04-00-4, Ball Joint - Lower Inspection.
9.
Inspect the operation of the front struts as directed by the 1996 Windstar Service Manual, Page 04-00-4, Shock Absorber Checks.
10.
Check steering gear mountings and tie rods for looseness. Tighten all mountings to specification. If tie rods are worn or bent, replace them by
referring to the 1996 Windstar Service Manual, Section 11-02.
11.
Start the vehicle and inspect the steering linkage with an assistant turning the steering wheel from stop to stop. Check for binding and smooth
operation. Replace any damaged steering linkage component by referring to the 1996 Windstar Service Manual, Section 11-02.
12.
Inspect the steering gear with an assistant turning the steering wheel from stop to stop. The steering gear may move slightly. If movement is more
than 1.5 mm (0.06") replace the steering gear insulator. Refer to the 1996 Windstar Service Manual, Section 11-02.
13.
Inspect the steering gear rack and pinion bellows for cracks, cuts, deterioration, twisting or distortion. Check the bellows clamps to make sure they
are tight. Replace as required.
14.
Move to the rear of the vehicle and inspect the trailing arm and track bar bushings for damage and deterioration, also inspect the trailing arms and
track bar for straightness and signs of damage.
15.
Evaluate the condition of the rear shocks as directed by the 1996 Windstar Service Manual, Page 04-00-4, Shock Absorber Checks.
16.
If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, check that all components and electrical connections are in good condition, make sure the air springs
inflate properly and that the vehicle is level in pitch and roll.
17.
At this time, make note of trailer hitch installation. The presence of this equipment may explain uneven tire wear or underbody damage.
18.
Finally, inspect the vehicle for evidence of collision damage.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE # 2 - ALIGNMENT
NOTE:
THE STRAIGHT-LINE TRACKING OF ALL VEHICLES IS AFFECTED BY ROAD CROWN. MOST ROADS TYPICALLY SLANT OFF TO
THE RIGHT TO ALLOW FOR PROPER WATER DRAINAGE. ON SOME MULTI-LANE HIGHWAYS, THE LH LANE MAY SLANT TO
THE LEFT. THE FORD WINDSTAR HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH THE LEFT FRONT CASTER ANGLE SET TO A LOWER ANGLE TO
