What Causes the Car Steering Wheel to Pull to the Right?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons why a car's steering wheel pulls to the right: 1. Changes in wheel alignment data: Alterations in wheel alignment parameters can cause the vehicle to drift, especially for cars frequently driven on rough roads, as these parameters are prone to change. Steering drift is primarily related to the front wheel camber angle. If the camber angles of the two front wheels are inconsistent, the car will drift towards the side with the larger camber angle. 2. Abnormalities in the car's steering system: For instance, bending or deformation of the steering knuckle arm or steering knuckle can typically cause the car to drift in one direction. The most severe case is when the tie rod ends are severely worn and become loose, leading to steering failure, at which point the car will become completely uncontrollable. 3. Faults in the suspension system: If the front shock absorber springs are deformed or one side fails, it will result in uneven suspension height, causing uneven force distribution and leading to drifting.
After driving for many years, steering wheel pulling to the right is nothing unusual. The most common cause is uneven tire pressure—specifically, the right tires being underinflated, especially when cold weather causes noticeable pressure changes. First thing to do is check the tire pressure monitor or use a gauge. Next is uneven tire wear; driving frequently on rough roads or not rotating tires on schedule can cause one side to wear down, making the steering wheel tilt. The most troublesome issues involve suspension components—like a leaking right shock absorber, cracked control arm bushings, or loose tie rod ends—throwing the chassis balance off and forcing the steering wheel to resist. Oh, and sometimes a poor wheel alignment after repairs, with insufficiently fine-tuned parameters, can also cause drift. If you notice it pulling, don’t tough it out—get to a reliable shop for a lift inspection. Otherwise, you’ll be wrestling the wheel on the highway, which is pretty dangerous.
