Why does the car still pull to one side after a wheel alignment?
3 Answers
If the car still pulls to one side after a wheel alignment, you need to check the tire pressure and also inspect the brakes. If the car pulls to one side during braking, then the braking system needs to be checked. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. If the tire pressure of the two front tires is not the same, the car will pull to one side while driving. The front wheels have camber and toe-in 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. For some cars, incorrect wheel alignment data can also cause uneven tire wear. 2. When driving over bumpy roads or speed bumps, the wheel alignment data of the car may change. Therefore, it is recommended to have a wheel alignment done regularly to ensure the car remains in good condition.
I frequently perform vehicle maintenance and repairs, and I've encountered many cases where the car still pulls to one side after a wheel alignment. The main reason could be that the alignment parameters weren't adjusted accurately, such as errors in toe angle or camber values. If the machine calibration is off, it's easy to run into issues. Another possibility is hidden damage in the suspension system that wasn't detected, like cracked control arm bushings or deformed tie rods, which can cause the problem to persist even after alignment. Tire issues, such as uneven tire pressure on both sides or severe uneven wear on old tires, can also lead to vehicle drift. I recommend you return to the repair shop immediately and have them recheck the alignment, focusing on the chassis components and alignment data. Replace any damaged parts if necessary.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I'm telling you this is unacceptable. Last time my car had alignment done but still pulled to one side, turns out the shop skipped checking the tires – the front tires had 3mm difference in wear, like walking with one leg shorter. Also, excessive steering gear play can cause this; if there's slack in the wheel when turning, the alignment won't help. I suggest testing on a straight, flat road – take your hands off the wheel and see if it drifts out of lane within 100 meters. If it pulls quickly, it's likely either improper alignment or steering system issues, and you must demand the shop redo the work.
