ALLDATA DIY - Detailed Information For Your Particular Car

The Steering Drift Test is a quick way to test the front end (steering and front suspension) of your car. If the car drifts either left or right during this test, this indicates that there is a problem in the front end parts and/or alignment. You would then need to identify the problem by further testing and inspection.

To conduct this test, you need to make sure that all the tires are the same size, all have the same amount of wear, and all have the same air pressure. Different sizes amounts of wear and pressures will cause drifting even if the front end is normal. (See Symmetrical Driving Conditions.) Also, the rear suspension needs to be normal or else drifting might occur even if the front end is normal. (Most of the time, the rear suspension is normal. Almost all of the steering and suspension problems in most cars are in the front end.) Finally, the road needs to be either totally flat or totally symmetrical. This test is best performed at 25-30 mph on a low-traffic road where you can ride down the middle of the road on top of the crown, with the road sloping down evenly left and right. During the test, let the car cruise along easily, with no acceleration and no braking.

NOTE: Sometimes the car will go straight ahead without drifting, but the steering wheel is turned slightly left or right. This usually indicates an adjustment problem in the steering system. Needs further testing and inspection.

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