Corrective Actions
Follow the procedures, as listed below, to inspect and confirm that the vehicle steering/suspension components, tires (conicity) and wheels are not damaged or excessively worn.
1. For 1989-1991 vehicles, Refer to the 1991 Probe Shop Manual, Section 04-00 pages 2-14 for diagnosis and alignment settings.
Figure 1:
2. Adjust tire pressure to 32 psi front and 36 psi rear, road test the vehicle driving at 55 mph/88 km/h on a level road. If possible drive on a 3 lane freeway as shown in figure 1.
NOTE: WHEN EVALUATING THE VEHICLE FOR DRIFT CONDITIONS, CROSS WINDS CAN AFFECT THE RESULTS, THEREFORE DRIVE IN BOTH (OPPOSING) DIRECTIONS AT LEAST TWICE AND AVERAGE THE DRIFT TIMES IN SECONDS. THIS ROAD TEST EVALUATION SHOULD BE PERFORMED BY TWO (2) PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE, ONE PERSON TO DRIVE AND THE OTHER TO MONITOR THE DRIFT TIME IN SECONDS.
3. If the vehicle changes one complete 12 ft. wide lane in seven (7) seconds or less, proceed to step 4.
NOTE: IF THE TIME IS SEVEN (7) SECONDS OR HIGHER, THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AT DESIGN INTENT AND DOES NOT REQUIRE FURTHER ACTION.
Figure 2:
4. Refer to the 1991 Probe Shop Manual, Section 04-00, pages 4 and 5 for tire wear inspection and rotation procedures. Tire rotation on GL and LX can be rotated as noted in figure 2, however, the GT model with directional tires must be rotated front to rear and not crossed. Excessively worn tires should be replaced.
5. Road test vehicle again, following the procedures and warnings as stated in steps 2 and 3. If the drift condition is still seven (7) seconds or less proceed to step 6.
6. Refer to Section 04-00, pages 7-9 for a description of Caster, Camber, Toe-in, and adjustment procedures.
NOTE: SET FRONT TOE-IN TO "O" EACH WHEEL AND REAR TOE-IN AT 1.5 MM EACH WHEEL.
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
7. Inspect the upper strut mountings for the position of the paint marks on the rubber insulator. It is visible at the strut attachment. Refer to Figures 3 and 4.
a. If the vehicle drifts left rotate the upper struts to the following positions:
^ Left strut mount to position number 2.
^ Right strut mount to position number 3.
^ Adjust toe-in to the setting listed in step 6.
b. If the vehicle drifts right rotate the upper struts to the following positions:
^ Left strut mount to position number 3.
^ Right strut mount to position number 2.
^ Adjust toe-in to the settings as listed in step 6.
8. Road test the vehicle again, following the procedures as outlined in steps 2 and 3. If the vehicle drift times are seven (7) seconds or higher, no further action is required. If the time is less than seven (7) seconds, proceed to step 9.
In some instances it may be necessary to install a new revised upper strut kit that is slotted/off center to provide increased wheel alignment positive caster settings.
This kit contains the following items.
^ Mount
^ Strut Bearing
^ Spring Seat
9. Review the parts as listed in this TSB and order the items as needed for the application of vehicle and model year.
NOTE: THE REVISED STRUT MOUNTS/KIT SHOULD BE INSTALLED ONLY ON THE VEHICLES THAT CONTINUE TO DRIFT AT A RATE OF SEVEN (7) SECONDS OR LESS.
Figure 6:
Figure 7:
10. Refer to the 1991 Probe Shop Manual Section 04-01, page 2 for a detailed description of the strut components, and pages 5-9 for removal, disassembly, replacement of parts and reassembly of the strut. Refer to Figures 6 and 7.
11. If the vehicle had a drift left, install the upper struts in the following positions:
^ Left strut mount in position number 3.
^ Right strut mount in position number 2.
^ Adjust the toe-in as noted in step 6.
12. If the vehicle had a drift right, install the upper struts in the following positions:
^ Left strut mount in position number 2.
^ Right strut mount in position number 3.
^ Adjust toe-in as noted in step 6.
Figure 5:
Refer to figure 5 for the approximate affect the position settings will have on Caster and Camber.
13. Road test the vehicle again to confirm that the condition has been resolved.