Why does the car still feel like it's pulling to one side after a wheel alignment?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car may still pull to one side after a wheel alignment: 1. If the car pulls to one side during braking, the braking system needs to be checked. If the tire pressures of the two front wheels are different, the car will pull to one side while driving. 2. The front wheels have camber and toe angles, and the rear wheels also have camber angles. If there is an issue with the wheel alignment data, the car will pull to one side. In some cases, incorrect wheel alignment data can also cause uneven tire wear. Driving on bumpy roads or over speed bumps can sometimes alter the wheel alignment data.
I've been driving for many years and have encountered several instances where the alignment still caused the car to drift after adjustments, which is quite frustrating. The reasons can vary: for example, the alignment machine itself may lack precision, or the equipment at small shops isn't properly calibrated, resulting in inaccurate angle adjustments. Another possibility is aging issues with the car's chassis, such as loose or worn components like ball joints or tie rods, which might not be detected during alignment but cause the car to tilt while driving. Additionally, tire factors shouldn't be overlooked—uneven tire pressure or inconsistent tread wear can directly affect the driving trajectory. I remember one time, after changing tires, the car started drifting, and upon inspection, we found the wheel rim was slightly deformed. So, I recommend first checking tire pressure and wear yourself, then going back to a professional shop for a recheck, asking them to inspect the suspension system and recalibrate the parameters to avoid wasting money and effort unnecessarily.
