Steering Input Test

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

5: Road Test

NOTE: It may be necessary to have the customer ride along or drive the vehicle to point out the symptom. During the road test, take into consideration the customer's driving habits and the driving conditions. The customer's concern just may be an acceptable operating condition for that vehicle.

The following is a brief overview of each test in the order in which it appears. A review of this information helps to quickly identify the most appropriate process necessary to make a successful diagnosis. After reviewing this information, select and carry out the appropriate test(s), proceeding to the next step of this process.

- The Slow Acceleration Test is normally the first test to carry out when identifying an NVH symptom, especially when a road test with the customer is not possible.
- The Heavy Acceleration Test helps to determine if the symptom is torque-related.
- The Neutral Coast Down Speed Test helps to determine if the symptom is vehicle speed-related.
- The Downshift Speed Test helps to determine if the symptom is engine speed-related.
- The Steering Input Test helps to determine how the wheel bearings and other suspension components contribute to a vehicle speed-related symptom.
- The Brake Test helps to identify vibrations or noise that are brake related.
- The Road Test Over Bumps helps isolate a noise that occurs when driving over a rough or bumpy surface.
- The Engine Run-Up Tests consist of the Neutral Engine Run-Up (NERU) Test and the Drive Engine Run-Up (DERU) Test. These tests help to determine if the symptom is engine speed-related.
- The NERU Test is used as a follow-up test to the Downshift Speed Test when the symptom occurs at idle.
- The DERU Load Test helps to identify vibration/noise sensitive to engine load or torque. It also helps to reproduce engine speed-related symptoms that cannot be duplicated when carrying out the NERU Test or the Neutral Coast Down Test.
- The Engine Accessory Test helps to locate faulty belts and accessories that cause engine speed-related symptoms.
- The Vehicle Cold Soak Procedure helps to identify symptoms occurring during initial start-up and when an extended time lapse occurs between vehicle usage.

Steering Input Test

To carry out this test, proceed as follows:

- Drive at the speed where the symptom occurs, while making sweeping turns in both directions.
- If the symptom goes away or gets worse, the wheel bearings, hubs, U-joints (contained in the axles of Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) applications), and tire tread wear are all possible sources.
- If the source of the symptom has been identified as a result of this test, proceed to the appropriate system for further diagnosis and repair. If the source has not been identified, continue with the road test.