Chrysler PT Cruiser, Service & Repair Manual, Page: 85 / 2078

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES POTENTIAL CORRECTIONS
Excessive Steering Free
Play 1. Incorrect Steering Gear
Adjustment 1. Adjust Or Replace Steering Gear
2. Worn Or Loose Tie Rod Ends 2. Replace Or Tighten Tie Rod Ends
3. Loose Steering Gear Mounting
Bolts 3. Tighten Steering Gear Bolts To The
Specified Torque
4. Loose Or Worn Steering Shaft
Coupler 4. Replace Steering Shaft Coupler
Excessive Steering Effort 1. Low Tire Pressure 1. Inflate All Tires To Recommended
Pressure
2. Lack Of Lubricant In Steering
Gear 2. Replace Steering Gear
3. Low Power Steering Fluid Level 3. Fill Power Steering Fluid Reservoir To
Correct Level
4. Loose Power Steering Pump Belt 4. Check and replace automatic belt
tensioner as necessary. If drive belt is worn
or glazed, replace belt.
5. Lack Of Lubricant In Steering Ball
Joints 5. Lubricate Or Replace Steering Ball Joints
6. Steering Gear Malfunction 6. Replace Steering Gear
7. Lack Of Lubricant In Steering
Coupler 7. Replace Steering Coupler
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CURB HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment
rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle
for bent or weak suspension components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the
coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
NOTE: Prior to reading the curb height measure-
ment, the front an rear of the vehicle should be
jounced. Induce jounce by grasping the center of
the rear, then front bumper (or fascia) and jouncing
the vehicle an equal number of times. Release the
bumper at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(1) Measure from the edge of the wheel opening
fender lip directly above the wheel center (spindle)
down to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, maximum left-to-right differ-
ential is not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to specifications
listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICA-
TIONS chart.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE FRONT REAR
ALL
695 mm ± 8 mm 716 mm ± 8 mm
27.37 in. ± 0.32 in. 28.27 in. ± 0.32 in.
PT
WHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 57
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)