What are the reasons for steering deviation?
3 Answers
The reasons for steering deviation are: 1. Insufficient tire pressure; 2. Long-term wear of the steering system, resulting in excessive clearance between connecting parts; 3. Vehicle suspension failure; 4. Damage to the inner ball joint of the steering gear. The steering gear, also known as the steering box, is an important component of a vehicle's steering function and a crucial guarantee for driving safety. The role of the steering gear is to amplify the force transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering linkage and to change the direction of force transmission. Based on structural characteristics, steering gears can be divided into: 1. Rack and pinion steering gear; 2. Recirculating ball steering gear; 3. Worm and roller steering gear; 4. Worm and peg steering gear.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, I've encountered steering wheel misalignment several times, and each instance requires careful handling. The most common cause is uneven tire pressure—for example, higher pressure on the left and lower on the right will make the car pull to the right. Uneven tire wear can also cause this; if one front tire is bald while the other is still in good condition, the steering will feel noticeably off. Suspension system issues are not uncommon either—if the shock absorbers are leaking or the control arm is loose, you'll feel the car drifting sideways as soon as you hit the road. Brake caliper drag is another frequent culprit; if a wheel is partially stuck, the steering becomes unstable at high speeds, which can be dangerous. I recommend first checking the tire pressure on all four wheels with a gauge and adjusting them evenly. If the problem persists, take it to a professional shop for an alignment check. Remember, safety comes first—if the car pulls to one side, slow down and pull over to avoid risks.
As someone who frequently deals with cars, I believe there are many reasons for misalignment, with tire pressure difference being the first critical step—just a few PSI difference can cause the car to pull to one side. Uneven tire wear is also a common issue; significant differences in tread depth can cause the car to veer. Misalignment in the suspension system, such as incorrect kingpin angles, can directly lead to crooked driving. Faulty shock absorbers or loose control arms make the misalignment more noticeable on bumpy roads. A stuck brake caliper can cause a wheel to semi-lock, reducing flexibility. Worn steering components, like tie rod ends with excessive play, can also lead to poor control. I usually recommend users first check tire pressure and tire condition themselves. If that doesn’t help, a full inspection of the suspension and brakes is necessary. A wheel alignment adjustment, costing around a hundred bucks, can often easily solve the problem.
