1991 FORD FESTIVA wheel alignment

Ties rods or ball joints bindingCheck and replace if necessary
Intermediate shaft joints bindingSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Kinked pressure hosesCorrect or replace if necessary
Loose housing head spanner nutSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Damaged valve leverSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Sector shaft adjusted too tightSee ADJUSTMENTS in
POWER STEERING GEAR
article
Worm thrust bearing adjusted too tightSee ADJUSTMENTS in
POWER STEERING GEAR
article
Reaction ring sticking in cylinderSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Reaction ring sticking in housing headSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Steering pump internal leakageSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Steering gear-to-column misalignmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Lack of lubrication in linkageService front suspension
Lack of lubrication in ball jointsService front suspension
Increased Effort When Turning Wheel Fast Foaming, Milky Power Steering Fluid, Low Fluid Level or Low Pressure
High internal pump leakageSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Power steering pump belt slippingAdjust or replace if necessary
Low fluid levelCheck and fill to proper level
Engine idle speed to lowAdjust to correct setting
Air in pump fluid systemSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Pump output lowSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Steering gear malfunctioningSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Wheel Surges or Jerks
Low fluid levelCheck and fill to proper level
Loose fan beltAdjust or replace if necessary
Insufficient pump pressureSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Sticky flow control valveSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Linkage hitting oil pan at full turnReplace bent components
Kick Back or Free Play
Air in pump fluid systemSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Worn poppet valve in steering gearSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Excessive over center lashSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Thrust bearing out of adjustmentSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Free play in pot couplingSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Steering gear coupling loose on shaftSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Steering disc mounting bolts looseTighten or replace if necessary
Coupling loose on worm shaftTighten or replace if necessary
Improper sector shaft adjustmentSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Excessive worm piston side playSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Damaged valve leverSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Universal joint looseTighten or replace if necessary
Defective rotary valveSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
No Power When Parking
Sticking flow control valveSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Insufficient pump pressure outputSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Excessive internal pump leakageSee POWER STEERING
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STEERING COLUMN TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC STEERING COLUMN TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
PUMP article
Excessive internal gear leakageSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Flange rubs against gear adjust plugSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Loose pump beltAdjust or replace if necessary
Low fluid levelCheck and add proper amount
of fluid
Engine idle too lowAdjust to correct setting
Steering gear-to-column misalignedSee STEERING COLUMN
article
No Power, Left Turn
Left turn reaction seal "O" ring wornSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Left turn reaction seal damaged/missingSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Cylinder head "O" ring damagedSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
No Power, Right Turns
Column pot coupling bottomedSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Right turn reaction seal "O" ring wornSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Right turn reaction seal damagedSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Internal leakage through piston end plugSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Internal leakage through side plugsSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Lack of Effort in Turning
Left and/or right reaction seal sticking in cylinder headReplace, see POWER
STEERING GEAR article
Wanders to One Side
Front end alignment incorrectSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
article
Unbalanced steering gear valveSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Low Pressure Due to Steering Pump
Flow control valve stuck or inoperativeSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Pressure plate not flat against cam ringSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Extreme wear of cam ringReplace and check
adjustments
Scored plate, thrust plate or rotorSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Vanes not installed properlySee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Vanes sticking in rotor slotsSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Cracked/broken thrust or pressure plateSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Noise in Steering
Coupling pulled apartSee STEERING COLUMNS
article
Column not correctly alignedSee STEERING COLUMNS
article
Broken lower jointReplace joint
Horn contact ring notSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Bearing not lubricatedSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Shaft snap ring not properly seatedReseat or replace snap ring
Plastic spherical joint not lubricatedSee STEERING COLUMN
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SUSPENSION TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC SUSPENSION TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
article
Shroud or housing looseTighten holding screws
Lock plate retaining ring not seatedSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Loose sight shieldTighten holding screws
High Steering Shaft Effort
Co l u mn assemb l y misal ign edSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improperly installed dust shieldAdjust or replace
Tight steering universal jointSee STEERING COLUMN
article
High Shift Effort
Column is out of alignmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improperly installed dust shieldAdjust or replace
Seals or bearings not lubricatedSee STEERING COLUMNS
article
Mounting bracket screws too longReplace with new shorter
screws
Burrs on shift tubeRemove burrs or replace tube
Lower bowl bearing assembled wrongSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Shift tube bent or brokenReplace as necessary
Improper adjustment of shift leversSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improper Trans. Shifting
Sheared shift tube jointReplace as necessary
Sheared lower shaft leverReplace as necessary
Improper shift lever adjustmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improper gate plate adjustmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Excess Play in Column
Instrument panel bracket bolts looseTighten bolts and check
bracket
Broken weld nut on jacketSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Instrument bracket capsule shearedSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Column bracket/jacket bolts looseTighten bolts and check
bracket
Steering Locks in Gear
Release lever mechanismSee STEERING COLUMN
article
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Front End Noise
Loose or worn wheelSee Wheel Bearing
Adjustment in SUSPENSION
Worn shocks or shock mountingsReplace struts or strut
mo u n t in gs
Worn struts or strut mountingsReplace struts or strut
mo u n t in gs
Loose or worn lower control armSee SUSPENSION
Loose steering gear-to-frame boltsSee STEERING
Worn control arm bushingsSee SUSPENSION
Ball joints not lubricatedLubricate ball joints & see
Ball Joint Checking in
SUSPENSION
Front Wheel Shake, Shimmy, or Vibration
Tires or wheels out of balanceCheck tire balance
Incorrect wheel alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Drive shaft unbalancedCheck drive shaft balance
Loose or worn wheel bearingsSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Loose or worn tie rod endsSee SUSPENSION
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WHEEL ALIGNMENT TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC WHEEL ALIGNMENT TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
Worn upper ball jointsSee Ball Joint Checking in
SUSPENSION
Worn shock absorbersReplace shock absorbers
Worn strut bushingsReplace strut bushings
Car Pulls to One Side
Mismatched or uneven tiresCheck tire condition
Broken or sagging springsSee SUSPENSION
Loose or worn strut bushingsSee SUSPENSION
Improper wheel alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Improper rear axle alignmentCheck rear axle alignment
Power steering gear unbalancedSee STEERING
Front brakes draggingSee BRAKES
Abnormal Tire Wear
Unbalanced tiresCheck tire balance & rotation
Sagging or broken springsSee SUSPENSION
Incorrect front end alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Faulty shock absorbersReplace chock absorbers
Scuffed Tires
Toe-In incorrectSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Suspension arm bent or twistedSee appropriate
SUSPENSION article
Springs Bottom or Sag
Bent or broken springsSee SUSPENSION
Leaking or worn shock absorbersReplace shock absorbers
Frame misalignmentCheck frame for damage
Spring Noises
Lo o se "U" Bo l t sSee SUSPENSION
Loose or worn bushingsSee SUSPENSION
Worn or missing interlinersSee SUSPENSION
Shock Absorber Noise
Loose shock mountingsCheck & tighten mountings
Worn bushingsReplace bushings
Air in systemBleed air from system
Undercoating on shocksRemove undercoating
Car Leans or Sways on Corners
Loose stabilizer barSee SUSPENSION
Faulty shocks or mountingsReplace shocks or mountings
Broken or sagging springsSee SUSPENSION
Shock Absorbers Leaking
Worn seals or reservoir tube crimpedSee SUSPENSION
Broken Springs
Lo o se "U" b o l t sSee SUSPENSION
Inoperative shock absorbersReplace shock absorbers
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Premature Tire Wear
Improper tire inflationCheck tire pressure
Front alignment out of toleranceSee ALIGNMENT SPECS in
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section
Suspension components wornSee SUSPENSION section
Steering system components wornSee STEERING section
Improper standing heightSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Uneven or sagging springsSee SUSPENSION section
Bent wheelSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Improper torsion bar adjustmentSee SUSPENSION section
Loose or worn wheel bearingsSee WHEEL BEARING ADJ.
in SUSPENSION section
Worn or defective shockReplace shock absorbers
Tires out of balanceCheck tire balance
Pulls to One Side
Improper tire inflationCheck tire pressure
Brake draggingSee BRAKE section
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Mismatched tiresSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Broken or sagging springSee SUSPENSION section
Broken torsion barSee SUSPENSION section
Power steering valve not centeredSee STEERING section
Front alignment out of toleranceSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section
Defective wheel bearingSee WHEEL BEARINGS in
SUSPENSION section
Uneven sway bar linksSee SUSPENSION section
Frame bentCheck for frame damage
Steering system bushing wornSee STEERING section
Hard Steering
Idler arm bushing too tightSee STEERING LINKAGE in
STEERING section
Ball joint tight or seizedSee SUSPENSION section
Steering linkage too tightSee STEERING LINKAGE in
STEERING section
Power steering fluid lowAdd proper amount of fluid
Power steering drive belt looseSee STEERING section
Power steering pump defectiveSee STEERING section
Steering gear out of adjustmentSee STEERING section
Incorrect wheel alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Damaged steering gearSee STEERING section
Damaged suspensionSee SUSPENSION section
Bent steering knuckle or supportsSee SUSPENSION section
Vehicle "Wanders"
Strut rod or control arm bushing wornSee SUSPENSION section
Loose or worn wheel bearingsSee WHEEL BEARINGS in
SUSPENSION section
Improper tire inflationCheck tire pressure
Stabilizer bar missing or defectiveSee SUSPENSION section
Wheel alignment out of toleranceSee Adjustment in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT section
Broken springSee SUSPENSION section
Defective shock absorberReplace shock absorbers
Worn steering & suspension componentsSee SUSPENSION section
Front End Shimmy
Tire out of balance/roundCheck tire balance
Excessive wheel runoutSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Insufficient or improper casterSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section
Worn suspension or steering componentsSee SUSPENSION section
Defective shock absorbersReplace shock absorber
Wheel bearings worn or looseSee WHEEL BEARING ADJ.
in SUSPENSION section
Power steering reaction Bracket looseSee STEERING section
Steering gear box (rack) mounting looseSee STEERING section
Steering gear adjustment looseSee STEERING section
Worn spherical jointsSee SUSPENSION section
Toe-In Not Adjustable
Lower control arm bentSee SUSPENSION section
Frame bentCheck frame for damage
Camber Not Adjustable
Control arm bentSee SUSPENSION section
Frame bentCheck frame for damage
Hub & bearing not seated properlySee SUSPENSION section
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00027342
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Clutch Trouble Shooting
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
ALL MODELS
CLUTCH TROUBLE SHOOTING NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
Problem & Possible CauseAction
Clutch Chatters/Grabs
Incorrect Pedal AdjustmentAdjust Free Play
Worn Input Shaft SplineReplace Input Shaft
Binding Pressure PlateReplace Pressure Plate
Binding Throw-Out LeverCheck Throw-Out Lever,
Check Throw-Out
Bearing, Check Bearing
Retainer
Uneven Pressure Plate Contact With FlywheelAlign/Replace Worn Parts
Transmission MisalignedAlign Transmission
Worn Pressure PlateReplace Clutch Assembly
Oil-Saturated DiscReplace Clutch Assembly,
Repair Oil Leak
Loose Engine MountsReplace Engine Mounts
Clutch Pedal Sticks Down
Clutch Cable BindingReplace Clutch Cable
Weak Pressure Plate SpringsReplace Clutch Assembly
Binding Clutch LinkageLubricate Linkage
Broken Clutch Pedal Return SpringReplace Return Spring
Clutch Will Not Release
Oil-Saturated DiscReplace Clutch Assembly,
Repair Oil Leak
Defective Disc FaceReplace Clutch Assembly
Disc Sticking on Input Shaft SplinesReplace Disc/Input Shaft
Binding Pilot BearingReplace Pilot Bearing
Faulty Clutch Master CylinderReplace Master Cylinder
Faulty Clutch Slave CylinderReplace Slave Cylinder
Blown Clutch HoseReplace Hose
Sticky Throw-Out Bearing SleeveClean/Lube Sleeve
Clutch Cable BindingReplace Clutch Cable
Broken/Loose BellhousingCheck Bellhousing
Rattling/Squeaking
Broken Throw-Out Lever Return SpringReplace Return Spring
Faulty Throw-Out BearingReplace Throw-Out
Bearing
Faulty Clutch DiscReplace Clutch Disc
Faulty Pilot BearingReplace Pilot Bearing
Worn Throw-Out BearingReplace Throw-Out
Bearing
Dry Bearing Retainer Slide For Throw-Out Bearing SleeveLubricate Slide
Slipping
Faulty Pressure PlateReplace Clutch Assembly
Worn Clutch DiscReplace Clutch Assembly
Incorrect AlignmentRealign Clutch Assembly
Faulty Clutch Slave CylinderReplace Slave Cylinder
No Pedal Pressure
Leaky Hydraulic SystemCheck Clutch Master
Cylinder, Check Clutch
Slave Cylinder
Check Clutch Hose
Broken Clutch CableReplace Clutch Cable
Faulty Throw-Out LeverReplace Throw-Out Lever
Broken Clutch LinkageRepair Clutch Linkage
Page 1 of 2 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Clutch Trouble Shooting
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Wheel Alignm ent T heory & Operation
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL ALIGNMENT CHECKS
Before adjusting wheel alignment, check the following:
Each axle uses tires of same construction and tread style, equal in tread wear and overall diameter. Verify that radial and axial runout is
not excessive. Inflation should be at manufacturer's specifications.
Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive play. Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints. Springs must not be
sagging. Control arm and strut rod bushings must not have excessive play. See Fig. 1
.

Fig. 1: Checking Steering Linkage

Vehicle must be on level floor with full fuel tank, no passenger load, spare tire in place and no load in trunk. Bounce front and rear end
of vehicle several times. Confirm vehicle is at normal riding height.
Steering wheel must be centered with wheels in straight ahead position. If required, shorten one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthen
opposite sleeve (equal amount of turns). See Fig. 2
.
Wheel bearings should have the correct preload and lug nuts must be tightened to manufacturer's specifications. Adjust camber, caster
and toe-in using this sequence. Follow instructions of the alignment equipment manufacturer. NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
CAUT ION: DO NOT attem pt to correct alignm ent by straightening parts. Dam aged parts MUST be replaced.
Page 1 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Wheel Alignment Theory & Operation
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Fig. 2: Adjusting Tie Rod Sleeves (Top View)

ADJUSTMENTS
CAMBER
1. Camber is the tilting of the wheel, outward at either top or bottom, as viewed from front of vehicle. See Fig. 3
.
2. When wheels tilts outward at the top (from centerline of vehicle), camber is positive. When wheels tilt inward at top, camber is negative.
Amount of tilt is measured in degrees from vertical.

Fig. 3: Determining Camber Angle

CASTER
1. Caster is tilting of front steering axis either forward or backward from vertical, as viewed from side of vehicle. See Fig. 4
.
2. When axis is tilted backward from vertical, caster is positive. This creates a trailing action on front wheels. When axis is tilted forward,
caster is negative, causing a leading action on front wheels.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
Page 2 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Wheel Alignment Theory & Operation
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