How to Adjust the Tie Rod for Leftward Drifting?
2 Answers
Adjust the front and rear distance and angle to ensure the main parameters of the seat are fully adjusted to a reasonable position before proceeding to the steering wheel adjustment process. Only the front and rear distance and angle can be adjusted. The steering wheel angle will change accordingly. The specific criterion for determining whether the adjustment is accurate is to naturally sit in the driving position and slowly place one hand on the steering wheel.
With over a decade of experience in driving and car repairs, adjusting the tie rod to correct a left pull is actually quite common, and it needs to be done step by step. First, park the car on a level surface and check if all tire pressures are normal and even—if not, inflate them first. Then, use a jack to lift the front of the car, ensuring it's stable and secure. Locate the steering tie rod, usually on the inner side of the wheel, and loosen the lock nut—use a wrench to slowly unscrew it. When adjusting the tie rod length: if the car pulls to the left, it may indicate excessive toe-in on the right wheel or insufficient toe-in on the left wheel. So, I make fine adjustments, such as slightly shortening the right tie rod or lengthening the left one. Adjust only half a turn at a time, then tighten the nut, lower the car, and test-drive on a straight road to assess the feel. If it still pulls, repeat the process. However, be cautious—over-adjusting can accelerate tire wear. I recommend making multiple small adjustments while also checking if any suspension components are damaged to avoid misdiagnosing the issue. After adjustments, it's best to take a short test drive to confirm the results and completely avoid future problems.
