Canada - Steering/Suspension - Vehicle Pulls or Drifts to Right

Bulletin
TSB2445

Issue Date
2006-04-06

Market
Canada

Title
VEHICLE SLIGHT PULL/DRIFT FEELING IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE

Component
STEERING

Models
'05 - '06 Avalon (Touring Edition)

INTRODUCTION:
Some 2005 -- 2006 model year Avalon "Touring Edition" customers may complain that the vehicle pulls/drifts slightly to the right while driving. Follow the repair procedure in this bulletin to correct the condition.

APPLICABLE VEHICLES:
- 2005 - 2006 model year Avalon vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.






PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:






WARRANTY INFORMATION:






REQUIRED SSTs:

NOTE:
Essential SST BRNM-ST580A is no longer available for purchase. It has been superceded by BRNM-ST7200.






REPAIR PROCEDURE FLOW CHART:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Remove both front strut assemblies from vehicle following the procedures included in ETAS, 2005 or 2006 model year Avalon Repair Manual: Front Suspension: Front Shock Absorber With Coil Spring.






NOTE:
Do not loosen the strut assembly upper lock nut.

2. Once Strut Assembly has been removed from the vehicle, place on a work surface.






3. Locate the "V" mark on the Front Coil Spring Seat Upper. The "V" currently indicates 10 degrees from the strut outboard centerline.
4. Remove the front springs using a coil spring compressor, (refer to "Required SSTs"). Compress the coil spring enough so that the coil spring upper seats can be turned.






5. Rotate the Front Coil Spring Seat Upper and coil spring insulator CLOCKWISE until the "V" mark is 0 degrees from the strut centerline.






CAUTION:
Ensure the lower coil spring is aligned with the Front Coil Spring Insulator Lower.

6. Carefully remove the coil spring compressor while ensuring the coil spring is in the proper location.






7. Recheck the position of the "V" mark on the Front Coil Spring Seat Upper in relation to the strut centerline. If the "V" mark is not 0 degrees CLOCKWISE from the centerline of the strut, repeat step 5 and recheck.

CAUTION:
Inspect the coil spring to verify the painted surface of the spring has not been damaged. If necessary, use touch--up paint to cover any areas where paint has been removed.

8. Reinstall the both Front Strut Assemblies following the instructions in ETAS, 2005 or 2006 model year Avalon Repair Manual, Front Suspension: Front Shock Absorber With Coil Spring.
9. Check the vehicle alignment and follow the remaining repair procedures per TSB1081, "Repair Manual Supplement: Vehicle Pulling to One Side."
10. Perform Zero Point calibration after setting the alignment to specification. Refer to TSB1332, "Zero Point Calibration," for Zero Point reset procedure.
11. Repeat road test and confirm repair.

NOTE:
Issue of this Technical Service Bulletin is to ensure that proper repair information is available. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. Normal provisions of the formal warranty policy, as applicable, will apply.