What is the reason for the steering wheel leaning to the left when driving straight?
2 Answers
The reason for the steering wheel leaning to the left when driving straight is: there is relative displacement between the steering wheel and the steering column. The owner can go to a 4S shop and ask the staff to help remove the steering wheel, then readjust and reinstall it, or adjust the length of the left and right steering tie rods. If the offset problem is more serious, a four-wheel alignment can also be done as needed. The 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. The gear system introduced between the driver and the wheels by the steering wheel operates flexibly, effectively isolating intense vibrations from the road. Moreover, a good steering wheel system can also provide the driver with a feeling of intimate connection with the road.
I've been in auto repair for almost twenty years, and issues like the steering wheel pulling to the left while driving straight are quite common. The most frequent cause is uneven tire pressure—if the left front tire is a bit low, the car tends to pull to the left. Another possibility is misaligned wheel alignment, especially if the rear camber angle of the front wheels isn’t set correctly, making the car feel like it’s being dragged to one side. Aging suspension components, such as a loose tie rod end, can also cause the steering wheel to be off-center. Sometimes, a stuck brake caliper that won’t release on the left wheel can create a pulling sensation. These problems not only make handling awkward and increase fuel consumption but also lead to rapid tire wear, wasting money. Safety comes first—I recommend a thorough inspection at a professional shop to check alignment and brakes, rather than waiting for an accident to happen. Regularly monitor tire pressure during maintenance, and making it a habit can prevent these issues.