How to Straighten a Misaligned Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
To straighten a misaligned steering wheel, first turn the car's 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 steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of vehicles such as cars, ships, and airplanes. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver on the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. The steering wheel mainly consists of a skeleton, foam, and mounting clips or screw holes corresponding to the driver's airbag (DAB). Typically, the steering wheel is connected to the steering shaft via splines, and its primary function is to transform the driver's applied force into torque for the steering shaft.
I often encounter the steering wheel being misaligned while driving. I remember last time feeling the steering wheel slightly tilted to the right, making it impossible to take my hands off when driving straight. First, I checked if the tire pressure was even, and it turned out the right tire was a bit low. After inflating, the situation improved slightly. If the tire pressure is normal, it's best to find a straight road for a test: accelerate straight and then release the steering wheel to observe the degree of veering. If the veering is severe, it's likely a wheel alignment issue. Alignment can calibrate the angles of the front and rear wheels to straighten the steering. I once had a misaligned steering wheel due to loose suspension links, so for safety, it's best to visit a repair shop promptly. Don't underestimate this issue; driving with a misaligned steering wheel for a long time can wear out the tires and increase risks. When driving, try to be smooth and avoid sudden braking or hitting obstacles, as these can easily deform the suspension and affect alignment. Regular maintenance can reduce troubles.
