How many degrees of steering wheel deviation is considered normal?

[AshlynLee]

Steering wheel is usually in a straight state. Any deviation in the steering wheel is considered abnormal and requires timely inspection and repair. The following is a detailed introduction about automobile maintenance: 1. Overview: Automobile maintenance is a general term for automobile upkeep and repair. It involves troubleshooting faulty automobiles through technical means to identify the cause of the fault and taking certain measures to eliminate the fault and restore the automobile to a certain level of performance and safety standards. 2. Others: Automobile maintenance includes major repairs and minor repairs. Major repairs refer to restorative repairs that use methods of repairing or replacing any automobile parts (including basic parts) to restore the automobile's perfect technical condition and completely (or nearly completely) restore its lifespan. Minor repairs refer to operational repairs that use methods of replacing or repairing individual parts to ensure or restore the automobile's working capability.

[VanNadia]

Actually, slight steering wheel misalignment is quite common. Even brand-new cars can have a slight deviation of one or two degrees when they hit the road. With over a decade of repair experience, I've seen 90% of car owners accept deviations within 5 degrees. If the steering wheel is as crooked as a clock face, requiring constant forceful pulling to drive straight, then it's exceeded 5 degrees. This issue often relates to tire pressure balance - just a 0.2bar difference between tires can cause steering deviation. Improper wheel alignment data is even more common, especially for vehicles frequently driven on rough roads. Loose suspension bushings can also pull the steering wheel off-center. Regularly observe the steering wheel's stationary position - if it keeps getting more crooked during driving, it needs adjustment to prevent uneven tire wear. Modern repair shops have string alignment systems that can easily reset the alignment with simple adjustments.

[FinnDella]

When I first bought my car, I was also troubled by the steering wheel deviation and specifically consulted an experienced mechanic. He said that a deviation of three to four degrees in daily driving is not a big deal. For example, my wife's Mini has a 3-degree deviation, but the car still drives straight. As long as the wheels can maintain a straight line when not steering, there's no problem. The key is to understand how the deviation forms: frequently driving with one side on the curb can worsen the deviation, not performing wheel balancing after changing a new tire can also cause misalignment, and frame deformation after an accident is another factor. I suggest testing the deviation on a straight road by releasing the steering wheel to see if the car drifts. If it deviates from the lane within ten meters, it likely exceeds the 5-degree safety range.

[Yolanda]

The steering wheel should be inspected if it deviates from the center line by more than 5 degrees. Pay attention to the self-centering force of the steering wheel during daily driving; difficulty in returning to the center often indicates abnormal toe angle. You can perform a simple test yourself: find a straight road, maintain a speed of 40 km/h, and release the steering wheel for three seconds. If the car noticeably drifts, it indicates a significant deviation. First, check the tire pressure difference between the left and right tires, which should be within 0.1 bar, and the tread depth difference should not exceed 2 mm. Don’t overlook chassis components; loose steering rod ball joints can also cause the steering wheel to tilt, and these should be checked during maintenance.