Should I Perform Wheel Balancing or Four-Wheel Alignment for Steering Wheel Deviation?
2 Answers
For steering wheel deviation, perform a four-wheel alignment. However, first check the tire pressure to see if it's the issue, then inspect the tires for excessive wear. Additionally, examine the vehicle's suspension, as suspension problems can also cause deviation. If none of these are the issue, proceed with the four-wheel alignment. Four-wheel alignment focuses on the installation positions between the wheels, suspension, and steering mechanism. Wheel balancing, on the other hand, is specific to the tires and rims. It is a correction process performed when there are abnormalities in the wheels or when replacing tires to maintain normal values under dynamic conditions. Every vehicle has fixed installation parameters for its four wheels, steering mechanism, front and rear axles, etc. These parameters are calibrated by different manufacturers for their respective vehicles. The process of restoring this series of mechanical adjustments to the vehicle's intended state is what four-wheel alignment entails.
As someone with over a decade of driving experience, I can tell you that steering wheel misalignment is definitely a wheel alignment issue, not to be mistaken for wheel balancing. Wheel balancing is used to address vibration problems when the tires rotate, such as severe steering wheel shaking at high speeds. But misalignment means the steering wheel is off-center and the car pulls to one side, which is usually caused by issues with the toe-in angle or camber angle of the wheels. Aging suspension components or hitting a curb can lead to this. My car had the same issue last month, and a wheel alignment fixed it. If not addressed promptly, uneven tire wear is common, fuel consumption can increase by 10%, and it can reduce handling safety. Before repairs, check tire pressure and suspension bolts to ensure no minor issues are exacerbating the problem.
