What are the solutions for steering deviation?
3 Answers
Solutions for steering deviation: 1. Check if the tie rod ball joint is loose; 2. Step on the brake to feel whether the braking distances on both sides are consistent; 3. Check if the tire pressure of the front, rear, left, and right tires is the same; 4. Perform a four-wheel alignment. The reasons for steering deviation are: 1. Poor return or incomplete separation of a certain wheel's brake; 2. Uneven tire pressure on both sides; 3. Deformation of the shock absorber spring, resulting in inconsistent buffering on both sides; 4. Different tread patterns on both sides or uneven tread depth and height; 5. Excessive wear of vehicle chassis components, leading to abnormal gaps; 6. Failure of the front shock absorber; 7. Overall deformation of the vehicle frame.
After driving for a long time, I've found that the most common causes of steering misalignment are uneven tire pressure or inconsistent tire wear. I first use a household tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of the front and rear tires. The standard is usually 2.3-2.5 bar for the front tires and 2.2-2.4 bar for the rear tires, with slight variations depending on the vehicle. If the tire pressure is normal, I visually inspect the tire wear. If the inner or outer edges are more worn, it indicates a problem with the suspension system, and I need to visit a repair shop for a wheel alignment. I make it a habit to check the alignment parameters every six months, which costs around 200-500 RMB, to prevent misalignment issues. This problem is especially dangerous on highways. If I notice the car pulling to one side, I slow down and pull over to check immediately, without delay. Aging suspension components, such as deformed steering linkages, should be replaced promptly. Don't try to save money by DIY repairs, as this can lead to bigger hazards. Keep track of maintenance records and get an alignment every time you change tires to avoid a lot of trouble.
For those frequently dealing with cars, diagnosing steering pull should start with the basics: check if tire pressure is even, an ordinary tire pressure gauge will suffice; inspect tire wear patterns, as uneven wear may indicate alignment issues. Advanced methods involve performing a four-wheel alignment to adjust toe and camber settings, which is done by professionals using laser equipment; damaged suspension components like ball joints or steering arms need replacement—don't attempt DIY fixes. I recommend owners check alignment every six months or 10,000 kilometers, especially after off-roading in wet conditions which can easily deform components. Costs vary by vehicle condition, with standard cars typically costing a few hundred yuan; steering pull affects driving control, so prioritize safety—don't wait until acceleration drift occurs to address it.
