What Causes Severe Steering Wheel Pulling?
2 Answers
Severe steering wheel pulling can be caused by the following reasons: Tire Specifications: Inconsistent specifications or tire pressure between the two front wheels, unequal rear camber or wheel camber angles on both sides, inconsistent clearance between the front wheels and bearings on both sides, inconsistent arch or spring force of the leaf springs on both sides, excessive difference in wheelbase between the left and right sides, excessively small wheel brake clearance or out-of-round brake drums causing one brake to stick, resulting in brake drag, uneven vehicle loading, etc. Uneven Tire Pressure: If the tire pressure differs between the two sides of the car—for example, if the left tire has slightly lower pressure and the right tire has slightly higher pressure—the car will immediately exhibit pulling. If the car has a tire pressure monitoring system, the issue can be identified at a glance. If not, a small portable tire pressure gauge can be purchased. Additionally, many car washes have tire pressure gauges, allowing you to check the pressure while washing the car. This is a simple and inexpensive solution that doesn’t require an immediate four-wheel alignment.
I've encountered steering wheel misalignment several times. At first, I thought it was a tire issue, but later realized it involves multiple factors. The most common cause is uneven tire pressure - if one tire is underinflated, the car tends to pull toward that side. I've personally fixed this by rebalancing the tires. Another reason is uneven tire wear; if one side wears significantly more over time, the car will drift in that direction, requiring tire replacement or wheel alignment. Suspension system damage is also a factor - things like broken shock absorbers or deformed springs can alter wheel position and cause pulling. After hitting a pothole once, my car started pulling, and the diagnosis showed a bent left control arm in the suspension. Brake issues can also cause this, such as when one brake caliper sticks, dragging the car toward that side. Finally, incorrect wheel alignment is very common - new cars or post-accident vehicles often need professional realignment. These problems can be quite annoying, so it's safer to get a comprehensive check at a repair shop early on.
