What Causes a Three-Wheeled Vehicle to Pull to One Side?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why a three-wheeled vehicle may pull to one side: Inconsistent elasticity of the left and right shock absorber springs or misaligned shock absorbers with unequal working lengths can cause the vehicle to pull to one side. In this case, check if the specifications of the two springs are consistent or replace any failed springs. If the shock absorbers are misaligned or have unequal working lengths, they should be reinstalled. If the shock absorber shaft is bent, it should be disassembled, repaired, or replaced. If the front wheel is overloaded or the cargo compartment is loaded unevenly to one side, the three-wheeled vehicle will pull to one side. Therefore, when loading goods, users should distribute the cargo evenly to avoid accidents. If the front tire pressure is too low or there is a significant difference in pressure between the left and right rear tires, the three-wheeled vehicle may also pull to one side. In this case, inflate the front tire pressure to the standard value of 450 kPa and the rear tire pressure to 550 kPa, ensuring both tires have equal pressure values.
I've been driving tricycles for many years and found that the main causes of deviation are the vehicle's own issues and usage habits. Inconsistent tire pressure between the left and right tires is the most common reason. If one tire has low or high pressure while the other is the opposite, the vehicle naturally drifts toward the side with lower pressure. Aging and deformation of the suspension system is another major factor, such as spring failure or loose connecting rods, causing the body to tilt and drift. Worn steering column bearings can make directional control less responsive, so I often use tools to check wear during maintenance. Unbalanced loading, like stacking goods on one side, shifts the center of gravity and worsens the drift. Uneven road surfaces or strong winds may also have an impact, but the core issue is vehicle maintenance. I recommend regularly checking tire pressure, inspecting the suspension, and evenly distributing weight to prevent minor issues from escalating into accidents.