How to Correct a Slightly Misaligned Car Steering Wheel?
3 Answers
The steps to correct a slightly misaligned car steering wheel are as follows: First, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to expose the rear of the left front wheel. Then, use a wrench to loosen the fixing nut and rotate the left tie rod clockwise. After adjusting the left front wheel, proceed to adjust the right front wheel in the opposite direction. The reasons for a slightly misaligned steering wheel include: 1. Steering gear malfunction: For example, improper assembly of the car's steering gear or detachment of the steering gear's central shaft; 2. Uneven tire pressure on both sides of the car: If the tire pressure is unbalanced, the car will pull towards the side with lower pressure. It is important to regularly check the tire pressure during daily use; 3. Different camber angles on both sides of the car: After replacing or repairing tires, it is essential to perform a four-wheel alignment promptly. Otherwise, differing camber angles on the tires will cause the steering wheel to pull to one side.
Last time my steering wheel was crooked, I first checked it myself and found it was caused by inconsistent tire pressure. Different pressures in the two front tires can make the steering wheel misaligned. I inflated the tires and test drove, but it was still crooked, so I went to the repair shop. The mechanic used a four-wheel alignment machine for inspection and found significant misalignment in the front wheels. It took half an hour to adjust the tie rod screws, and the steering wheel was straightened. Actually, if the steering wheel installation angle is off, it can also be corrected, but you need to remove the steering wheel and realign it. Doing this yourself can easily damage the airbag, so it's recommended to seek a professional. Usually, avoid hitting potholes too hard to reduce such issues.
When I encounter a crooked steering wheel, I go straight to the mechanic since it involves the steering system and can't be taken lightly. The repair shop first performs a wheel alignment check, connecting sensors to the computer which displays alignment parameter deviations. If the tie rods are bent or loose, adjusting the length of the left and right rods can fix the issue; if suspension components are damaged, they need replacement. After correction, the mechanic takes me for a test drive on a flat road to confirm the results. A crooked steering wheel also affects tire wear—once I delayed for two months and found the inner side of the tire worn flat, costing me extra for a new tire.
