REPAIR MANUAL SUPPLEMENT: VEHICLE PULLING TO ONE SIDE ± ST004-01 RevisedDecember 21, 2001
Page 6 of 11
1. IMPORTANT NOTICE
Before repairing vehicle pulling to one side, it is necessary to clearly identify the
cause of the pulling condition. Frequently, the cause of the vehicle pulling to one side
is diagnosed as wheel alignment. However, the actual cause may be lateral force
generated by the tires. Performing wheel alignment when tire force is the cause could
result in the wheel alignment being set at a value outside of specifications. This would
then cause other problems such as uneven tire wear, etc.
2. Troubleshooting
First determine whether vehicle pulling to one side is caused by a wheel alignment
problem or tire characteristics, then decide which repairs to make.
A. Perform the following checks and correct as necessary.
a. Check tires for size, wear and for proper inflation pressure.
b. Check whether the vehicle is noticeably tilted backward/forward or left/right.
NOTE:
Tilting of the vehicle produces a left±right difference in the camber and caster and can
cause vehicle pulling to one side.
c. Check brakes for dragging.
B. Confirm problem symptoms.
With the customer accompanying you, drive the vehicle to confirm if the
customer 's complaint involves vehicle pulling to one side or steering wheel off
center. If the problem is steering wheel off center, adjust the front tie rods on the
vehicle. Refer to Lexus TSIB ST002±01. Also check the direction of vehicle
pulling and the extent of the pulling.
C. Decide if vehicle pulling is due to wheel alignment or tires.
a. Switch the left and right front tires (If the tires are non±unidirectional).
b. Conduct a drive test to check whether the direction that the vehicle pulls has
changed.
SYMPTOMPROBABLE CAUSECORRECTIVE ACTION
No change in vehicle
pulling conditionFront wheel alignmentProceed to Repair Procedure 3. Vehicle pulling
caused by Wheel Alignment (Page 6)
Vehicle pulling
eliminatedTire conicityRepair complete. Vehicle Pulling Caused by Tire
Conicity (Page 3 and 6)
Vehicle pulling
direction is reversedTire conicityProceed to Repair Procedure 4. Vehicle Pulling
Caused by Tire Conicity (Page 7)
Repair
Procedures
