How to Adjust Uneven Steering Wheel Turns Left and Right?
3 Answers
Uneven steering wheel turns left and right can be adjusted through coarse adjustment, fine adjustment, and steering wheel position adjustment. Here are the relevant steps: 1. Coarse Adjustment: Drive the vehicle onto a four-wheel alignment machine. Under the premise that the camber angles of both wheels are basically symmetrical, adjust the adjustment nuts of the tie rods to make the lengths on both ends as equal as possible, and make the toe-in on both sides symmetrically approach the same value, such as 0 degrees. If there are always contradictions in the above work, it is estimated that the frame or suspension may be damaged or deformed, requiring frame adjustment or part replacement. 2. Fine Adjustment: Use 5053 to check whether the angles when the steering reaches the limit on both sides are roughly symmetrical, within 5 to 10 degrees. Then, find the electronic zero position and immediately fix the steering wheel. Perform a four-wheel alignment according to the standard or required value. After completion, drive the vehicle off the alignment machine, reset the G85, and conduct a short road test to see if there is any deviation. If there is deviation, realignment is needed, and compromises may be required in the alignment values. 3. Adjust Steering Wheel Position: Turn off the engine, remove the airbag module, connect 5053 with the ignition switch in the self-test position (there may be an alarm), set the steering wheel to the electronic zero position, then use a puller to remove the steering wheel and adjust its position. It is best that when 5053 indicates the steering angle zero position, the steering wheel's vertical spoke is as vertical as possible. After completion, reinstall the airbag and other components, then clear the fault codes.
When the steering wheel's left and right turns are uneven, I always do a quick self-check first. Uneven tire pressure is a common cause—try inflating them all to the standard value and see if the issue persists. If the problem remains, it might be due to deformed or worn tie rods, especially after frequent driving on bumpy roads. Use a tape measure to check the lengths of the left and right tie rods. If you notice a significant difference, loosening the adjustment nut and manually calibrating can help, but be careful not to overtighten or leave it too loose. The safest approach is to visit a repair shop for a four-wheel alignment measurement. They can precisely adjust the rack balance to avoid steering instability or uneven tire wear. After my last fix, everything went back to normal—safety first, so don’t cut corners and delay the repair.
When the steering wheel turns more to one side than the other while driving, it's quite unsettling as it indicates a steering system imbalance. I believe the most common causes are issues with the tie rods or rack, such as rust or deformation on one side. Don't attempt to adjust it yourself; first, pull over to check for unusual noises or which way the car drifts. Continuing to drive could accelerate tire wear or affect handling. From my experience, it's best to visit a professional repair shop as soon as possible. Technicians will use tools to check the wheel alignment and toe angle, making targeted adjustments. For prevention, regularly inspect suspension components to avoid minor issues becoming major ones. Always remember that safety is paramount and should never be taken lightly.
