What are the reasons for the car feeling unstable and drifting in direction?
2 Answers
Car feeling unstable and drifting in direction is caused by issues such as chassis suspension failure, steering gear grooves, front wheel specifications or tire pressure, front wheel camber or wheelbase problems. To solve the problem of instability and drifting, check the chassis suspension: If the steering wheel feels unstable and drifts, it is recommended to first check the chassis suspension for any loose parts; check the steering gear grooves: inspect the rubber limit blocks fixed in the steering gear grooves for severe wear, and simply replace them with new ones; speed-related issues: Another cause of steering wheel instability and drifting is front wheel wobble during driving. When the vehicle reaches a certain high speed, the steering wheel may shake or vibrate, or the car's direction may feel inconsistent with expectations. In this case, it is advisable to reduce the speed accordingly. Improper tire maintenance can also lead to this issue, as patching tires or improper tire repairs can disrupt the dynamic balance of the front wheel assembly, cause shock absorber failure, wear and looseness in the steering system components, and improper front wheel alignment, all of which contribute to this problem. Steering wheel deviation issues: Front wheel specifications or tire pressure: caused by inconsistent front wheel specifications or tire pressure on both sides; front wheel camber or wheelbase: unequal front wheel camber on both sides, inconsistent front wheel bearing clearance, or excessive wheelbase difference; chassis suspension: Steering wheel deviation can also be caused by chassis suspension deformation, so check if the chassis suspension is deformed.
I've also experienced the feeling of my car floating before while driving, where the steering felt unstable as if it was hovering over the road surface, which was quite frightening. It was mainly caused by tire issues, such as tire pressure being too low or too high, which affects grip and makes the car prone to slipping when turning. In my case, it was due to low tire pressure, making the car feel unstable and floaty, and I initially thought it was a loose chassis. Another reason is a faulty suspension system; worn shock absorbers can cause noticeable body sway, especially on bumpy roads. If the wheel alignment is off and the wheels aren't parallel, the steering will pull to one side, as if being blown away by the wind. Driving at high speeds can also worsen this situation, such as driving over 120 km/h on the highway, where unstable airflow around the car body causes it to float. I recommend starting by checking the tire pressure with a simple pressure gauge; if that doesn't help, go to a professional shop for a wheel alignment check immediately. Safety first—don't delay to avoid accidents.
