Achieva V6-3300 3.3L (1992)
Alignment: Customer Interest
Alignment - Vehicle May Lead or Pull
Group Ref.: Steering/Suspension
Bulletin No.: 333213
Date: November, 1993
SUBJECT:
VEHICLE MAY LEAD OR PULL
(DIAGNOSE/SERVICE PROCEDURE)
MODELS:
1992-94 BUICK SKYLARK
1992-94 CHEVROLET CAVALIER, CORSICA AND BERETTA
1992-94 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA
1992-94 PONTIAC SUNBIRD AND GRAND AM
CONDITION:
Some owners may experience that the vehicle may lead or pull.
CORRECTION:
DO NOT replace the steering gear to fix a lead or pull on 1993-94 vehicles as this will not solve the problem. It may temporarily mask the problem due
to the higher internal friction in the new gear. However, the condition will resurface when the gear is worn in with mileage.
On 1992-94 vehicles, the following procedure should be followed for lead and pull conditions:
-
Consult J/L/N lead/pull Corporate Bulletin # 073002. Previous divisional publication numbers were:
Chevrolet
92-5O-3B
Pontiac
92-3-3
Oldsmobile
92-T-20
GM of Canada
92-3-110
-
Consult J/L/N memory steer Corporate Bulletin # 233303R. Previous divisional publication numbers were:
Chevrolet
93-171-3B
Buick
93-3-8
Pontiac
93-3-10
Oldsmobile
93-T-60
GM of Canada
93-3C-102
If the problem still exists, check system flows and pressures using gauge J 5176-D or J 25323-B. System flow should be 1.9 gpm - 2.3 gpm, back
pressure at or less than 100 psi with wheels straight ahead and the engine at idle. If flows or pressures are out of specification, look for pinched or
crimped steering hoses and check for blockages by blowing air through the steering lines.
If problem still exists for 1992 V-6 vehicles only, evaluate vehicle for steering system induced lead/pull by coasting with vehicle in neutral and engine
off. Restart the vehicle. A steering induced lead/pull will result in a significant, abrupt pull to the right. If this occurs, remove power steering cooler lines
from the steering system, (refer to Section 3B in the Service Manual). Use the following hoses to connect directly from the steering gear to the pump
reservoir inlet tube.
1.
LHO engine (VIN T): Power steering cooler by-pass hose # 26038210
2.
LG7 engine (VIN N): Power steering cooler by-pass hose # 26031205
If problem still persists on 1992 vehicles only, steering gear replacement can be attempted. 1993-94 vehicles have updated steering racks and should not
require replacement for lead/pull conditions. Also on 1993-94 vehicles, there are no cooler lines; therefore, the above by-pass hoses do not apply. This is
the latest information which should resolve any lead/pull conditions.
Parts are expected to be available on November 8, 1993.
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Number: T3385
