What is the Difference Between Vehicle Pulling and Steering Wheel Misalignment?
2 Answers
The difference between steering wheel misalignment and vehicle pulling: 1. Vehicle pulling occurs when the car starts to drift to the right or left after driving 50 meters with the steering wheel held straight; 2. This is referred to as vehicle pulling; 3. Steering wheel misalignment is when the steering wheel is adjusted to the angle for straight driving, and the vehicle does not drift left or right after 50 meters, but the steering wheel itself is not straight. This indicates steering wheel misalignment. More details are as follows: When a vehicle has been used for a long time and exhibits symptoms such as heavy steering, shaking, pulling, misalignment, failure to return to center, or abnormal tire wear (e.g., uneven wear, scalloped wear, block wear, or side wear), as well as driving sensations like floating, bumpiness, or swaying, it is advisable to check the wheel alignment values to see if they deviate significantly and perform timely repairs.
The difference between vehicle drift and steering wheel issues is quite significant, and I've personally experienced it while driving. Vehicle drift means the car tends to pull to one side on its own. For example, on a flat road, if you let go of the steering wheel, the car will gradually veer to the left or right. This could be due to uneven tire pressure or problems with the suspension system. Steering wheel issues, on the other hand, involve sensations like stiffness, heaviness, or excessive play when turning the wheel, directly affecting control. For instance, you might need extra effort when turning or parking. From a friend, I learned that during inspection, you should first check if tire wear is even and if the tire pressure is consistent. If the drift is severe, get a wheel alignment done immediately. Steering wheel problems might require checking the power steering fluid or gear system. Delaying repairs can be dangerous, especially during high-speed turns—I learned this the hard way when my repair costs doubled due to procrastination.
