Radial Tire Lead / Pull: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Suzuki Verona. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lead / pull is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with no pressure on the steering wheel.

Lead is usually caused by

Incorrect alignment.
Uneven brake adjustment.
Tire construction.

The way in which a tire is built can produce lead / pull in the vehicle. Off-center belts on radial tires can cause the tire to develop a side force while the vehicle rolls straight down the road. If one side of the tire has even a little larger diameter than the diameter of the other side, the tire will tend to roll to one side. Unequal diameters will cause the tire to develop a side force which can produce vehicle lead / pull.

The radial lead / pull diagnosis chart should be used to determine whether the problem originates from an alignment problem or from the tires. Part of the lead diagnosis procedure calls for tire rotation that is different from the proper tire rotation pattern. If a medium-to-high mileage tire is moved to the other side of the vehicle, be sure to check for ride roughness. Rear tires will not cause lead / pull.