NTB08-097L

Classification:
Reference:
ST08-001L
Date:
NTB08-097L
September 21, 2023
DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT)
AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER
This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLES:
All Nissan vehicles – except GT-R
SERVICE INFORMATION
If a customer reports their “vehicle pulls” or the “steering wheel is off-center,” use the
Diagnostic Flow Chart on page 4 and the other information in this bulletin to diagnose and
correct the issue.
Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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General Information
Customers may report that their vehicle’s steering wheel is “off-center” because the
steering wheel spokes are tilted to the left or right when the vehicle continues straight
ahead on a straight flat road (see example in Figure 1).
Figure 1
If a vehicle’s steering wheel spokes are slightly off-center while driving straight, it may be
the normal result of road crown. Most roads in the United States are built with a “crown” to
help rain water drain from the road surface. The slope of the road crown varies from place
to place.
Vehicles have a natural tendency to drift to the low side of the crown. The greater the slope
of the crown, the faster the vehicle will drift in that direction.
Tires and vehicles are designed to counteract the effect of typical road crown, but may not
fully counteract the effect of a highly crowned road.
Some freeways slope to both the left and right from the center. When driving on a freeway
that slopes in both directions, a vehicle may exhibit a small amount of drift to the left when
driving in the left lane and a small amount of drift to the right when driving in the right lane.
This bulletin does not address road crown issues because they are not vehicle
related, although the customer may incorrectly perceive them to be.
Applicable Warranty

Vehicle alignment is currently covered by the adjustment Warranty for 12
months/12,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.

Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s
specific complaint.

If an alignment adjustment to correct a vehicle pull or off-center condition is
performed, alignment data needs to be printed out and stored at the dealer.

A printed screenshot of CONSULT Data Monitor, which shows the steering wheel at
zero (0) degrees when checking wheel alignment, needs to be stored at the dealer
as evidence.
HINT: Nissan may request this stored alignment data and photo to support Warranty
Claim.
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NTB08-097L
Road Test
Determine if the vehicle has a pull or steering wheel off-center issue that requires repair.
IMPORTANT:

If the vehicle has any tire issues, such as:
o Tires that are different sizes (except when specified from the factory).
o Significant difference in the amount of wear between any of the tires.
o Any other tire irregularity or damage to any tire and/or wheel.
Replace the tire(s) or use known good tires from another vehicle for all road tests
and diagnostics in this bulletin.

Make sure the tire pressure in all of the vehicle’s tires are set to the correct pressure
specification when cold.
1. Install/connect the following measuring tools on the vehicle:

Steering Wheel Offset Gauge (Centering Tape)

Road Crown Gauge (Tilt Indicator)
HINT: See pages 13 and 14 for a description of these tools and an explanation of
their use.

CONSULT (use Data Monitor STR ANGLE SIG to confirm that the steering angle is
zero (0) degrees).
HINT: Visually it may appear that the steering wheel is off-center when it is not.
2. Obtain a watch with a second hand (preferably a stopwatch) to use during the road test.
3. Take the vehicle for a road test and confirm the customer’s concern.

Select a flat road where the vehicle can be driven in a straight line at a preferred
speed of 60 mph.

During the road test, make sure the vehicle is pointing straight. Don’t worry about
steering wheel position during the road test.
HINT:
o If you adjusted the tire pressure or changed the tires before the road test, the
issue may have been resolved.
o If there are cross winds strong enough to affect the vehicle’s straight line
movement, then diagnosis cannot be performed.
4. Determine the vehicle issue. Refer to the definitions of “pull” on page 5 and steering
wheel “off-center” on page 8.
5. When the road test is completed, remove the Road Crown Gauge (Tilt Indicator), leave
the Steering Wheel Offset Gauge (Centering Tape) and CONSULT in place until the
service procedure is complete.
6. Refer to Diagnostic Flow Chart on page 4 for the next step.
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NTB08-097L
Diagnostic Flow Chart
Check tire condition and air pressure;
correct as necessary.
Review General Information (page 2), and perform Road Test (page 3).
Refer to definitions of “pull” on page 5 and steering wheel “off-center” on page 8.
Road Test Results
Vehicle pulls
HINT: If you have both a pull
and off-center condition,
repair the pull first.
Vehicle does not pull
and steering wheel is
not off- center.
Steering wheel is off-center more than
allowable (see page 8).
HINT: Repair any pull conditions first.
Repair of a pull condition may resolve an
off-center condition.
Make sure the TPMS
is re-initialized (if
required).
See page 9
End
Procedure A and B alternative
If your dealer has a Hunter GSP9700,
perform the StraightTrack® procedure.
Refer to the GSP9700 instruction manual.
Is the vehicle pull completely corrected?
Perform Procedure A:
Determine if tire pull; swap
tires (page 5).
Is the vehicle pull
corrected/repaired?
No
Yes
Make sure the TPMS
is re-initialized (if
required).
End
No
Does the vehicle pull in the
same direction?
Perform Procedure C:
Check/adjust wheel alignment
(page 7).
Yes
No
Perform Procedure B:
Identify and replace pulling
tire (page 6).
Is vehicle pull completely
corrected?
No
Make sure the TPMS is reinitialized (if required).
Yes
End
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NTB08-097L
Vehicle Pull or Drift
Description/Definition of a Vehicle “Pull” Condition
The vehicle consistently drifts to one side while driving at a constant speed on a straight,
flat road.

A vehicle is said to “pull” if it completes a lane change in less than 7 seconds (with
no steering correction from the driver) when driving at 60 MPH on a road with less
than 1.5 degrees road crown slope. All four wheels must pass into the other lane
during this time (7 seconds).
PROCEDURE A (Determine if a pull condition is caused by a tire)

Always torque wheel lug nuts using a torque wrench to the specified torque. Refer to
the appropriate Electronic Service Manual for torque specifications.

Make sure the tire pressure is set to the correct specification.

If the TPMS warning light comes ON, ignore it for now.
1. Swap the front tires side-to-side (left to right and right to left).
2. Swap the rear tires side-to-side (left to right and right to left).
3. Road test the vehicle.
4. Refer back to Diagnostic Flow Chart on page 4 for the next step.
Figure 2
For vehicles with “directional” tires (tires designed to rotate in only one direction):
a. Swap all four tires from a known good vehicle (known good tires).
b. Make sure to mark the tires to indicate their original side of the vehicle (left or right).
c. Road test the vehicle.
d. If the pull goes away or is reduced, perform Procedure B on the next page to
determine which tire was causing the pull.
e. If the pull is the same, go to Procedure C on page 7.
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NTB08-097L
PROCEDURE B (Determine which tire is causing the pull)

Procedure B is done only if there is a tire pull issue.

The steps in Procedure B should identify which tire is causing the pull.

Make sure the tire pressure in all of the vehicle’s tires are set to the correct pressure
specification when cold.

Always torque wheel lug nuts using a torque wrench to the specified torque (refer to
the appropriate Electronic Service Manual for torque specifications).

If the TPMS warning light comes ON, ignore it for now.
1a. For vehicles equipped from the factory with tires that are different sizes between the
front and rear, or vehicles with “directional” tires:
a. Put all of the tires/wheels back to original positions. The vehicle should now pull the
same as it did on your first road test.
b. Install/swap only one tire with known good, and road test.
c. Repeat step 1b for each tire until the pull goes away or is reduced.
d. Replace the tire that reduced or eliminated the pull.
HINT: Make sure directional tires are reinstalled on the same side of the vehicle from
which they were removed.
1b. For all other vehicles:
a. Rotate tires 2 and 4 on the passenger side
(Figure 3) and road test.
Front
o Pull goes away or is reduced: replace
tire 2 (which is now on the rear).
o Pull gets worse: replace tire 4 (which is
now on the front).
Front
o No change: put tires 2 and 4 back to
their original positions.
b. Rotate tires 1 and 3 on the driver side
(Figure 3) and road test.
o Pull goes away or is reduced: replace
tire 1 (which is now on the rear).
o Pull gets worse: replace tire 3 (which is
now on the front).
Figure 3
o No change: put tires 1 and 3 back to
their original positions.
HINT: When replacing a tire, if there is significant tread wear it is good practice to
replace tires in sets (both front, both rear, or all four).
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NTB08-097L
2. Procedure B should have been done only if there is a tire pull issue.

If an incident tire was identified and replaced, go to step 3.

If an incident tire was not identified, diagnostics were not done correctly. Go back to
Diagnostic Flow Chart on page 4 and start over.
3. After replacing a tire, road test the vehicle.

You may have completely corrected the pull or you may have only reduced the pull.
4. Return to Diagnostic Flow Chart on page 4 for the next step.
PROCEDURE C (Check/adjust wheel alignment)
1. Check the vehicle’s four-wheel alignment using accurate and properly calibrated
computerized alignment equipment.

Confirm that the steering angle is zero (0) degrees with Data Monitor STR ANGLE
SIG. Take a screenshot of Data Monitor and print for warranty documentation.
HINT: Visually it may appear that the steering wheel is off-center when it is not.

A copy of the yearly alignment machine calibration certification must be held on file
in the Service Dept.

Reference the appropriate Electronic Service Manual for alignment specification.
2. If any of the alignment measurements are out of specification, inspect the suspension
and chassis for any damage. Repair the damaged components before continuing.
3. Adjust any front and/or rear adjustable alignment components that are out of
specification.

Always perform rear adjustment first.

Reference the appropriate Electronic Service Manual for information regarding the
proper steps to adjust the alignment.

Make sure the steering wheel is straight using CONSULT when adjusting the front
wheel toe.
HINT: The Steering Wheel Offset Gauge/Centering Tape (or masking tape) can be
used to center the steering wheel while standing outside of the car during the
alignment process.
4. If necessary, use the appropriate CONSULT software (C-III plus or C-4) to adjust the
Steering Angle Sensor.

Refer to the appropriate Electronic Service Manual to determine if this adjustment is
necessary.
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NTB08-097L
Steering Wheel Off-Center
Description/Definition of Steering Wheel “Off-center” Condition
The steering wheel spokes are tilted to the left or right more than allowable (see example in
Figure 4) when driving straight ahead on a straight flat road at 30 MPH.
Allowable specification for steering wheel off-center

All Nissan (except NV1500, 2500, 3500 and Titan XD): 2 mm or less.

NV1500, 2500, 3500 and Titan XD: 4 mm or less.
When driving straight on a highly crowned road, the steering wheel may be turned a small
amount (it may be off-center) to counteract the affect of the road crown. When road testing
for an off-center condition, the vehicle should be driven on a straight flat road at 30 MPH.
Although the vehicle does not pull in either direction, the customer may perceive that the
vehicle pulls because it will respond if he or she tries to bring the steering wheel back to
center.

This condition can occur if the tie rod length is uneven (not adjusted correctly) from
side to side.
Figure 4
HINT: Install/connect the following measuring tools onto the vehicle.

Steering Wheel Offset Gauge (Centering Tape).

Road Crown Gauge (Tilt Indicator).
o See pages 13 and 14 for a description of these tools and an explanation of their
use.

CONSULT (use Data Monitor STR ANGLE SIG to confirm that the steering angle is
zero (0) degrees).
HINT: Visually it may appear that the steering wheel is off-center when it is not.
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NTB08-097L
Adjust/Correct Steering Wheel Off-Center
1. Check the vehicle’s front toe alignment using accurate and properly calibrated
computerized alignment equipment.

Confirm that the steering angle is zero (0) degrees with Data Monitor STR ANGLE
SIG. Take a screenshot of Data Monitor and print for warranty documentation.
HINT: Visually it may appear that the steering wheel is off-center when it is not.

A copy of the yearly alignment machine calibration certification must be held on file
in the Service Dept.

Reference the appropriate Electronic Service Manual for alignment specification.
2. If alignment measurements are out of specification, inspect the suspension and chassis
for any damage. Repair the damaged components before continuing.
3. Adjust alignment to correct the off-center condition.

Reference the appropriate Electronic Service Manual for information regarding the
proper steps to adjust the alignment.

Make sure the steering wheel is straight using CONSULT when adjusting the front
wheel toe.
HINT: The Steering Wheel Offset Gauge/Centering Tape (or masking tape) can be
used to center the steering wheel while standing outside of the car during the
alignment process.
4. Road test to confirm the steering wheel is straight (not off-center 2 mm or more).
5. Remove the Steering Wheel Offset Gauge.
6. Attach to the Repair Order:

A copy of the alignment machine printout showing the BEFORE and AFTER
alignment readings.

The printed screenshot of CONSULT Data Monitor which shows steering wheel zero
(0) degrees when checking/adjusting wheel alignment.

Write on the print-out the amount of steering wheel off-center (in millimeters) before
and after the alignment.
7. If necessary, use the appropriate CONSULT software (C-III plus or C-4) to adjust the
Steering Angle Sensor.

Refer to the appropriate Electronic Service Manual to determine if this adjustment is
necessary.
HINT: If wheel alignment is performed, attach a copy of the alignment machine print-out
showing the BEFORE and AFTER alignment readings, and the printed screenshot of
CONSULT Data Monitor which shows steering wheel zero (0) degrees when
checking/adjusting wheel alignment.
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NTB08-097L
CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Operation (PO) line claim using the following claims coding:
IF REQUIRED:
DESCRIPTION
Procedure A: Swap front and rear tires (side to
side) and re-initialize TPMS
OP CODE
SYM
DIA
FRT
PX35AA
CA
44
0.5
OP CODE
SYM
DIA
FRT
PX36AA
CA
02
0.9
SYM
DIA
FRT
CA
CA
CA
CA
02
02
02
02
0.4
0.8
1.1
1.5
IF REQUIRED:
DESCRIPTION
Procedure B: Swap tires per procedure B,
perform up to two test drives, and re-initialize
TPMS
OR:
For vehicles with different size tires or directional tires.
DESCRIPTION
OP CODE
Procedure B: Swap tires per procedure B,
perform test drive and re-initialize TPMS
If 1 tire is swapped
PX37AA
If 2 tires are swapped
PX38AA
If 3 tires are swapped
PX39AA
If 4 tires are swapped
PX40AA
OR:
DESCRIPTION
OP CODE SYM DIA
FRT
Alternative Procedure A and B
WD52AA
CA
44
(1)
Wheel Balance
(1) Reference the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated FRT.
IF REQUIRED:
DESCRIPTION
OP CODE SYM DIA
FRT
Procedure C: Adjust wheel alignment
(2)
CA
44
(3)
(2) Reference the WD-Chassis Adjustment section in the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate
Manual, use the OP-CODE that matches the vehicle and operation performed.
(3) Reference the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated FRT.
IF REQUIRED:
For tire replacement claims information, reference the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate
Manual.
Submit a Primary Operation (PO) line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION
OP CODE
SYM
DIA
FRT
Steering Wheel Off-Center – Adjust
WD34AA
EC
44
(1)
(1) Reference the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual and use the indicated FRT.
HINT: If wheel alignment is performed, attach a copy of the alignment machine print-out
showing the BEFORE and AFTER alignment readings and the printed screenshot of Data
Monitor STR ANGLE SIG.
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NTB08-097L
Appendix
Relationship of alignment settings to vehicle pull
Camber:
The camber thrust direction will be to the side
with the “most positive” camber setting.
EXAMPLE: If the left camber is significantly
higher (more positive) than the right, the vehicle
will tend to drift or pull to the left.
Figure 5
Caster:
The caster thrust direction will be to the side
with “most negative” caster setting.
EXAMPLE: If the left caster is significantly
higher (more positive) than the right, the vehicle
will tend to drift or pull to the right.
Figure 6
Thrust Angle:
The rear Thrust Angle should be close to 0.
Excessive thrust angle may cause the steering
wheel to be off-center.
Figure 7
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NTB08-097L
Appendix (continued)
Caster camber adjustment
There is no provision provided for adjusting caster and camber on many Nissan models,
but some adjustment may be achieved by the following methods:
Strut Suspension Camber Adjustment
a. Raise the vehicle and remove the front tires.
b. Loosen the upper steering knuckle bolts and nuts.
c. Adjust the camber by moving the steering knuckle within the range of the free play of
the bolts.
d. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque (refer to the Electronic Service Manual).
e. Reinstall the front wheels and lower the vehicle. Jounce (bounce) the front and rear
of the vehicle several times to stabilize the suspension.
Strut Suspension Camber & Caster Adjustment
a. Raise the vehicle and remove the front wheels.
b. Loosen the upper strut mount bolts.
c. Adjust camber and caster by moving the upper strut mount within the range of the
free play of the bolts.
d. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque (refer to the Electronic Service Manual).
e. Reinstall the front wheels and lower the vehicle. Jounce (bounce) the front and rear
of the vehicle several times to stabilize the suspension.
Cradle Camber & Caster Adjustment
a. Loosen all of the cradle bolts. (DO NOT remove any of these bolts.)
b. Adjust camber and caster by moving the cradle within the range of the free play of
the bolts. (Side to side movement will change Camber and SAI; Fore-Aft movement
will change Caster).
c. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque (refer to the Electronic Service Manual).
d. Jounce (bounce) the front and rear of the vehicle several times to stabilize the
suspension.
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NTB08-097L
SPECIAL TOOLS

Additional tools are available from Tech•Mate online: www.techmatetools.com, or by
phone: 1-833-397-3493.
HINT: When ordering, keep in mind that the tool part number prefix has changed
from “J” to “NI”. For example, J-49286-3 is now NI-49286-3.
Steering Wheel Offset Gauge (Centering Tape) – Tool # J-49286-3
(New part number: NI-49286-3)
The Steering Wheel Offset Gauge
(Centering Tape) is a set of one-time use
stickers that are attached to the steering
wheel and the steering column cover.
Tool Use
Figure 8
Turn/adjust the steering wheel to the straight
position (spokes of steering wheel are
straight across).
Attach the sticker with numbers on the
steering column cover.
Attach the arrow sticker on the steering
wheel. Make sure the arrow lines up with the
0 (zero) mark.
When you road test the vehicle you can read
how many millimeters the steering wheel is
off-center.
Figure 9
Mark center
HINT: If stickers are not available, use a
piece of masking tape on the steering wheel
and on the steering column. Mark where the
steering wheel is centered and a maximum
mark to either side (refer to page 8 for
vehicle maximum allowable offset).
Mark
maximum
offset
Figure 10
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NTB08-097L
Road Crown Gauge (Tilt Indicator) – Tool # J-49286-2
(New part number: NI-49286-2)
The Road Crown Gauge (Tilt Indicator)
measures the amount of road crown in
degrees.
The suction cup is used to attach the Road
Crown Gauge (Tilt Indicator) to a secure spot
on the vehicle dash.
Tool Use
Before the road test, calibrate the gauge.
Figure 11
HINT: The gauge must be calibrated with the
same weight in the vehicle as there will be
during the road test. For example, if you plan
to have an assistant in the vehicle during the
road test, calibrate the gauge while both of
you are sitting in the vehicle.
There are two ways to calibrate the gauge:


Preferred method: Park the vehicle on
a level surface, such as an alignment
rack and calibrate the gauge by moving
the gauge until the ball is on the zero
mark.
Figure 12
If you do not have a perfectly flat level surface:
a. Park the vehicle on a reasonable flat level surface and note the gauge reading.
b. Turn the vehicle 180 degrees so the vehicle is in the same spot but facing the
opposite direction and note the gauge reading.
c. Move/calibrate the gauge so it reads half the difference between the two
readings.
For example, if the first reading is -1 and the second reading (after moving the
vehicle) is +3, half way between is +1.
1st reading -1
-6
-4
2nd reading +3
-2
0°
2
4
6
Calibrate gauge to +1
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NTB08-097L
AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE
REFERENCE
DESCRIPTION
October 9, 2008
NTB08-097
Original bulletin published
February 2, 2009
NTB08-097a
CLAIMS INFORMATION revised
August 26, 2009
NTB08-097b
Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years
April 5, 2011
NTB08-097c
Changes made throughout
April 26, 2011
NTB08-097d
Page 4 revised
September 21, 2011
NTB08-097e
Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years
November 21, 2011
NTB08-097f
Linked General Procedures revised
May 14, 2018
NTB08-097g
Changes made throughout
June 21, 2018
NTB08-097h
December 17, 2020
NTB08-097i
November 18, 2021
NTB08-097J
February 22, 2023
NTB08-097K
September 21, 2023
NTB08-097L
Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years
Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years
Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years
Publication date updated to include the latest
models and model years, Tech•Mate information
revised on page 13, updated Special Tool part
names and numbers applied throughout, and
CONSULT software references revised on pages
7 and 9
Publication date revised to include the latest
models and model years, and changes made
throughout
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