Road Test Procedure

NOTE: General steering/handling problems can usually be classified into one of the categories listed and ARE GENERALLY RELATED TO THE AGE, CONDITION AND USE OF THE VEHICLE.

WARNING: Ensure that all road tests are conducted by suitably qualified drivers in a safe and legal manner, and where local traffic conditions allow.

1. Carry out visual and safety checks See Visual and Safety Checks.
- Confirm general nature of complaint with customer, simulating where possible the conditions under which the problem occurs.
- Carry out following road test procedure to establish the problem.
2. Steering load assessment - drive at 15 km/h, (10 mph)
- Put 90° turn input into steering wheel, check self centering.
- The self centering should be equal on each lock but not necessarily return to exactly straight ahead without assistance from the driver.
3. Steering assessment - drive at 65 km/h, (40 mph) on a straight FLAT road (no camber), check for steering veer.
- The vehicle should follow a straight path with NO tendency to follow a curved path.
- If vehicle veers towards the curb, vehicle may be "camber sensitive".
- A small amount of veer in direction of camber is acceptable.
4. Directional stability assessment - drive at 110 km/h, (70 mph) or maximum legal speed on a straight flat road.
- Carry out a normal lane change.
- Vehicle should quickly settle into a new straight path.
5. Braking assessment (medium effort) - drive at 95 km/in (60 mph) on a straight flat road. Apply steady medium braking effort, noting any tendency to veer. Carry out brake test three times, if a veer is consistently noted carry out a braking efficiency test on a rolling road.
6. Braking assessment (full effort) - drive at 95 km/h, (60 mph) on a straight flat road.
- Apply full braking effort, noting any tendency to veer.
- Carry out brake test 3 times, if a veer is consistently noted carry out a braking efficiency test on a rolling road.

NOTE:
^ If the symptom described by the customer is stiff steering or steering wiggle, carry out checklist. Stiff Steering Checklist
^ If not, proceed with visual checks and adjustments. Visual Inspection and Basic Adjustments