What are the reasons for misalignment and deviation?
2 Answers
Misalignment and deviation may have the following reasons: 1. Road design factors: Ordinary roads are higher in the middle and lower on both sides to reduce water accumulation during rain, so slight deviation of the vehicle may not be a major concern. 2. Uneven tire pressure on both sides: The vehicle's tire positions should be rotated regularly because the wear on the drive wheels is greater than on other wheels. Neglecting this can also cause the vehicle to deviate. 3. Inconsistent tread wear on both sides can also lead to vehicle deviation. 4. Abnormalities in the vehicle's steering system can also cause deviation.
After years of driving, I've found that misaligned steering and pulling often stem from tire issues. For example, uneven tire pressure causes the car to pull toward the side with lower pressure; uneven tire wear can also lead to unstable steering and affect handling. Another common factor is improper wheel alignment: incorrect toe angle settings make tires pull sideways as if being dragged; suspension system failures like damaged shock absorbers or ball joints worsen the car's sway and pulling. Excessive play in steering linkage or ball joints is also frequent, requiring the steering wheel to be held crooked for straight driving. Uneven braking systems, such as a stuck caliper on one side, create a dragging effect that pulls the car sideways. I once even encountered slight chassis deformation—after a collision, the wheel angles changed and could only be fixed through professional correction. This issue is highly dangerous as it can cause loss of control at high speeds. I recommend regularly checking tire pressure and wear uniformity, and visiting a reliable repair shop for four-wheel alignment and suspension inspections. Early intervention can prevent major repairs and ensure safety.
