What Causes the Steering Wheel to Pull to One Side?
2 Answers
Steering wheel pulling to one side is generally caused by the following reasons: 1. Uneven Tire Pressure: If the tire pressure differs between the left and right sides, it can cause the steering wheel to pull to one side while driving. 2. Abnormal Wear: Issues like uneven tire wear can lead to steering wheel misalignment and may even cause slight steering wheel vibration at high speeds. In such cases, a wheel alignment adjustment is necessary. 3. Suspension System Malfunction: Manufacturers conduct rigorous testing and adjustments on vehicles before they leave the factory. For example, interference between the suspension guide rods and steering linkage can affect the vehicle's tendency to pull to one side.
Having repaired cars for over a decade, I can say the most common causes of steering wheel misalignment are uneven tire pressure or incorrect wheel alignment. If one tire's pressure is low, the car will naturally pull toward that side; wheel misalignment has the same effect, especially when front and rear wheels aren't properly aligned. Worn suspension components like shock absorbers or ball joints can also cause steering drift—I've seen cases where customers hit potholes and damaged their suspension, leading to this issue. Additionally, bent steering linkage or a braking system dragging on one wheel can create similar problems. If left unfixed, it accelerates tire wear, makes driving unstable, and poses significant safety risks. I recommend first checking if all tire pressures are equal; if they're fine, take your car to a professional shop for a four-wheel alignment check immediately. Don't delay—small issues can become big ones.
