Component Inspections

"LEAD" is the movement or drift to one side of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with no pressure on the steering wheel.

Lead is usually caused by:
^ Incorrect wheel alignment.
^ Uneven brake adjustment.
^ Uneven or incorrect tire inflation pressures.
^ Damaged/worn tire or construction of tire.
^ Different tire size.

The way in which a tire is constructed can produce lead. An example of this is placement of the radial belts. Off-center belts on a radial tire can cause the tire to develop a side force while rolling straight down the road. If one side of the tire is a little larger diameter than the other, the tire will tend to roll to one side. This will develop a side force which can produce lead.