How to Adjust Vehicle Drifting to the Right?
3 Answers
Vehicle drifting to the right can be adjusted by: 1. Checking tire pressure, adjusting tire pressure or replacing tires; 2. Performing a four-wheel alignment; 3. Inspecting the suspension for deformation, displacement, or damage, and replacing the suspension if necessary; 4. Checking the steering system for wear or loose bearing components, and replacing or tightening the bearing components; 5. Replacing the springs on both sides of the suspension. The method to determine if a vehicle is drifting is: while driving with the steering wheel held steady, if the vehicle deviates to the left or right, it indicates a drifting issue. Normally, when driving on a flat straight road for 1000 meters, the maximum deviation should be controlled within four to five meters to be considered normal.
Last time my car also kept pulling to the right, and later I found out it was a tire issue. Don't rush to do a wheel alignment yet, you can do some preliminary checks yourself: if the tire pressure difference between left and right exceeds 0.2 bar, it will cause noticeable pulling—just use a tire pressure gauge to check. Uneven tire wear can also cause the car to pull to one side, so squat down and check the tread depth on the inner and outer sides. If there's any abnormality, you'll need a tire rotation. If the steering linkage is loose or the ball joint is worn, you'll hear abnormal noises when turning the wheel. If the steering wheel shakes at high speeds, it's definitely a deformed wheel hub. After checking these yourself, then go to the repair shop—it can save you a lot of money. When driving on bumpy roads, slow down to avoid excessive impact on the suspension system, which can lead to more problems.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I pay special attention to steering alignment issues and address any deviation immediately. First, check the tire pressure—both sides must be equal, as a difference of just 0.2 bar can cause misalignment. Next, inspect the wear on all four tires; if uneven wear ("tire cupping") is present, a wheel alignment is necessary. Have a mechanic thoroughly examine the steering components: key areas like steering gear play, tie rod ends, and lower control arm bushings. Once, my car veered after hitting a deep pothole, and it turned out the steering knuckle was bent. Before alignment, ensure the suspension is undamaged, and focus on alignment parameters like toe-in and caster angle. After adjustments, test-drive at highway speeds—if deviation persists above 80 km/h, rework is needed.
