Radial Tire Lead/Pull: Notes

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 Suzuki Reno, 2008 Suzuki Forenza, 2007 Suzuki Reno, 2007 Suzuki Forenza, and 2006 Suzuki Reno. 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.