How to Adjust a Slightly Misaligned Steering Wheel?
3 Answers
Methods to adjust a slightly misaligned steering wheel: 1. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right to expose the rear of the left front wheel; 2. Loosen the fixing nut with a wrench and then rotate the left tie rod clockwise; 3. After adjusting the left front wheel, proceed to adjust the right front wheel in the opposite direction. A slightly misaligned steering wheel is mainly caused by deformation of the front shock absorber springs leading to inconsistent cushioning on both sides, or complete failure of the shock absorbers, resulting in uneven force distribution between the two suspensions during driving. The quality of the steering system also affects the car's straight-line driving. Looseness caused by excessive wear gaps in connecting components or wear in bearings, kingpins, and bushings can lead to the car swaying left and right during driving, preventing it from maintaining a straight and normal trajectory.
Last time my car's steering wheel was like this too, I had to hold it crooked when driving on the highway. The inspection found that the wheel alignment data was incorrect, and the mechanic adjusted the tie rods using an alignment machine. I suggest you first check if the tire pressure is balanced, and then observe any uneven tire wear. An off-center steering wheel not only makes driving tiring but also wears out tires quickly. Getting an alignment is quite convenient now, most larger repair shops have professional equipment and it can be done in about half an hour. After adjustment, remember to pay attention to the steering wheel's return force during the test drive to avoid overly heavy steering affecting the driving experience.
My old Jetta had a similar issue where I constantly had to wrestle with the steering wheel. Actually, a crooked steering wheel is mostly caused by misaligned tie rods, which requires professional equipment for a four-wheel alignment. Never attempt to remove the steering wheel yourself, as it might affect the airbag system. It's best to first check if there's any damage to the suspension system—for instance, worn-out control arm bushings can lead to this problem. During repairs, ensure that the adjustments to both tie rods are synchronized; otherwise, it could worsen tire uneven wear.
