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Home >> Ford >> 2012 >> Explorer Base, 2.0 9 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Wheel Alignment >> Suspension System - General Information >> Diagnostic Routine(S) >> Diagnostic Routine A >> Pinpoint Test

Pinpoint Test

  1. CHECK FOR UNEVENLY LOADED VEHICLE
    1. Visually check the vehicle for an uneven loading condition.

    Is the vehicle unevenly loaded? 

    • Yes: ADVISE the customer of uneven loading condition.
    • No: GO to 2  .
  2. CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURES AND TIRE CONDITIONS
    1. Check the tire pressures. Refer to the VEHICLE CERTIFICATION (VC) CODES label located on the driver door jamb. Check the tires for uneven/abnormal wear. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES Wheels and Tires.

    Are the tire pressures and tire conditions OK? 

    • Yes: GO to 3  .
    • No: ADJUST the tire pressures to the specified pressure or INSTALL new tires as necessary.
  3. ISOLATE TIRE DRIFT/PULL CONDITION
    NOTE: It is important to determine if tire forces are the cause of a drift/pull condition. Changing the position of the wheel and tire assemblies on the vehicle may correct a drift/pull condition, however the tire drift/pull may return if the wheel and tire assemblies are repositioned during future service. A tire or tires that are causing a drift/pull should not be removed from service unless it has been determined that the tire(s) are worn beyond specification. REFER to Symptom Chart(s) .
    1. Cross the front wheel and tire assemblies from left-to-right. REFER to WHEEL AND TIRE .

    Does the vehicle drift/pull? 

    • Yes: If the vehicle drifts/pulls in the opposite direction, tire forces are causing the drift/pull. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES Wheels and Tires to diagnose tire drift pull. If the vehicle drifts/pulls in the same direction, GO to 4  .
    • No: Tire forces were causing the drift/pull and the concern has been corrected.
  4. CHECK FOR BRAKE DRAG
    1. Spin all 4 wheel and tire assemblies by hand and check for brake drag.

    Do the wheels spin freely? 

  5. CHECK THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT
    1. Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, check the wheel alignment.

    Is the wheel alignment out of specification? 

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