Can Slow Steering Wheel Return Be Adjusted?
2 Answers
Slow steering wheel return can be adjusted. Here are the reasons for slow steering wheel return: 1. Uneven tire inflation on both sides: Inconsistent tire pressure is one of the main reasons for weak tire return force. To diagnose this issue, a tire pressure gauge must be used. The side with lower tire pressure will have a wider contact patch with the ground, naturally experiencing greater road resistance, causing the car to veer toward the side with lower pressure. In this case, the tire pressure on both sides should be readjusted to ensure uniformity. 2. Uneven tire wear on both sides: If there is a significant difference in tire wear between the left and right wheels, causing the steering wheel to pull to one side, tire rotation is usually the solution. To address steering wheel pull and extend tire lifespan, tires should be rotated every 10,000 kilometers.
I encountered this situation before, and later at the 4S shop, I learned that slow steering return isn't individually adjustable. The technician first performed a wheel alignment for me and adjusted the toe angle because parameter deviations can affect the return speed. At the same time, they checked the tie rods and ball joints, finding that the right-side ball joint was slightly stuck, so it was replaced with a new one. They also reminded me that uneven tire wear could affect the return effect and advised me to check tire pressure monthly. The whole process took two hours, and after the adjustments, there was a noticeable improvement. So, professional diagnosis is essential—don't tamper with the steering mechanism yourself.
