How to Adjust a Crooked Steering Wheel?
3 Answers
The method to adjust a crooked steering wheel is: Turn the car's steering wheel fully to the right to expose the rear of the left front wheel. Loosen the fixing nut with a wrench, then rotate the left tie rod clockwise. After adjusting the car's left front wheel, adjust the right front wheel in the opposite direction. The steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, and airplanes. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver on the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. It mainly consists of a skeleton, foam, and the driver's airbag. Methods to identify steering wheel deviation include: 1. Observe the car logo on the steering wheel; 2. Remember the number of turns of the steering wheel when parking; 3. Move back and forth slightly after parking; 4. Lean out of the window to observe the tires.
I've been driving for over a decade and have also encountered steering wheel misalignment. That time after driving on rough rural roads, the steering wheel tilted slightly to the right. Initially, I thought it was a minor issue and didn't pay much attention, but within a few weeks, I noticed the left front tire was wearing out unusually fast. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic said the wheel alignment was off, possibly due to suspension deformation from impact. They used professional equipment to adjust it, fixed it in just 20 minutes for only 80 yuan, and the steering wheel was immediately straight. Since then, I've learned that steering wheel misalignment shouldn't be ignored. I recommend you first check if all tire pressures are even. If they're normal but the wheel still tilts, go to a professional shop for alignment adjustment as soon as possible. Don't try to fix it yourself—you might damage parts and end up spending more. Always check promptly after driving on bumpy roads to maintain proper alignment, which saves fuel, extends tire life, and makes driving more stable and reassuring.
A crooked steering wheel may not seem serious, but it's actually quite dangerous. My friend learned this the hard way when his car veered on the highway, nearly causing a collision. This usually stems from wheel misalignment, such as hitting a curb or component wear. The solution requires immediate action: park safely to check if all tire pressures are equal. If the steering remains crooked after balancing the pressures, promptly seek professional alignment service. Delaying will accelerate uneven tire wear, affect steering control, and increase braking distance. I've developed the habit of checking tire pressure monthly and getting an alignment check annually. Small investments in safety always pay off—a misaligned steering wheel means increased risk. Don't wait for an accident to regret it. Safe driving brings true peace of mind.
