What to Do When the Car Steering Wheel Pulls to One Side?
2 Answers
The causes and solutions for a car steering wheel pulling to one side are as follows: 1. Uneven tire pressure: When the tire pressure on both sides is unbalanced, on a flat road, one side will be higher than the other, causing the vehicle to naturally pull towards the side with lower pressure. Solution: Check the tire pressure on both sides and inflate if necessary. 2. Incorrect four-wheel alignment parameters: Changes in four-wheel alignment data can also cause the vehicle to pull to one side, especially for vehicles frequently driven on bumpy roads or over curbs, as their alignment parameters are more prone to change. Solution: Visit a 4S shop for a four-wheel alignment. 3. Inconsistent wheelbase on both sides: If the car body undergoes significant deformation and is not corrected in time, or if the correction does not meet technical requirements, it can lead to an inconsistent wheelbase on both sides, which is more prominent in unibody cars. When driving, the vehicle will pull towards the side with the shorter wheelbase. Solution: Use a four-wheel alignment tool to check the wheelbase on both sides. If the wheelbase difference does not meet technical requirements, a body correction tool can be used to restore the deformation.
Steering wheel misalignment is actually quite common. Having driven for over twenty years, I've encountered it several times. The main causes are usually uneven tire pressure, wheel misalignment, or issues with the braking system. So how to fix it? First step, check the tire pressure yourself for consistency – use a free pressure gauge to measure all four tires. Even a few PSI difference can cause pulling, so adjust them to the standard values and test. If the pressure is fine, wheel alignment might be the issue; I recommend driving to a professional repair shop to have them check it with their equipment. It's not expensive, usually costing around a hundred bucks. Don't delay, as long-term neglect increases fuel consumption and accelerates tire wear, costing you more in replacement tires. Checking alignment during regular maintenance can save a lot of hassle. Be especially mindful of your speed on uneven or potholed roads to avoid worsening the misalignment. In short, don't worry, small issues like this aren't hard to fix.
