What Causes Car Steering Wheel Misalignment?
2 Answers
Reasons for car steering wheel misalignment: 1. Unequal tire pressure; 2. Different tread patterns or uneven tread depth on both sides; 3. Suspension system failure; 4. Steering system issues; 5. Deformation of front shock absorber springs, causing inconsistent buffering; 6. Excessive wear of vehicle chassis components, leading to abnormal gaps; 7. Poor brake return or incomplete separation of a certain tire; 8. Overall vehicle deformation, with excessive difference in wheelbase on both sides. The car steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque and then transmit it to the steering shaft.
Last time I drove a long distance, I noticed the steering wheel kept pulling to one side, and the car would drift in that direction while driving, which was really troublesome. The cause might be uneven tire pressure, where one front tire is overinflated and the other is underinflated, leading to uneven force distribution and causing the steering wheel to pull. Another possibility is improper wheel alignment, meaning the angles of the wheels are misaligned—hitting too many potholes on the road can also mess up the alignment. Additionally, worn-out ball joints or tie rods in the suspension system could make the steering unstable. I recommend first checking the tire pressure yourself using a pressure gauge to ensure all four tires are evenly inflated. If you feel something’s off while driving, slow down and pull over immediately, as steering misalignment can accelerate tire wear and even lead to sudden loss of control. Safety comes first—if you notice any issues, it’s best to visit a repair shop as soon as possible for a thorough inspection. Don’t delay to avoid potential accidents.
