Alignment - Vehicle May Lead or Pull
Group Ref.: Steering/SuspensionBulletin 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
Labor Time: 0.6 hr.