What is the relationship between car deviation and misaligned steering wheel?
2 Answers
There is no relationship between car deviation and misaligned steering wheel. However, there are differences between the two. Here are the methods to distinguish them: 1. Car deviation: After the steering wheel is straightened, the vehicle starts to drive to the right or left within 50 meters. 2. Misaligned steering wheel: The steering wheel is adjusted to the angle where the vehicle drives straight, and the vehicle does not drive to the left or right within 50 meters, but the steering wheel is not straight. Here are the reasons for car deviation and misaligned steering wheel: 1. Due to long-term use, the braking system may wear out and may not fully return to position, causing resistance on one side of the wheel hub during driving, resulting in deviation in the direction of the car. 2. For most private cars, every 20,000 kilometers driven, the components of the chassis will wear out, causing changes in the positioning angle, which will eventually lead to car deviation and misaligned steering wheel.
When the car pulls to one side, an off-center steering wheel is often one of the main symptoms. Last weekend, while driving my friend's car on the highway, I clearly felt that the steering wheel kept tilting to one side, causing the car to drift to the right. I constantly had to adjust the steering to keep it going straight. This is likely due to a wheel alignment issue, such as incorrect front wheel angles or loose suspension components. When the car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is forced to adjust off-center to compensate for the misalignment. If not addressed promptly, tire wear accelerates, with one side wearing out more severely, and driving becomes more strenuous. My old car once had the same issue, and upon inspection, it turned out to be worn ball joints. The solution is to take the car to a repair shop for a four-wheel alignment—usually, an adjustment can restore normal operation. Pay attention to changes in steering feel during regular driving; test it by releasing the steering wheel on a straight, flat road to detect any pulling. Remember to schedule regular maintenance checks to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. Safety comes first—don’t wait until a high-speed incident occurs before thinking about repairs.