Why Does the Steering Wheel Become Misaligned After Tire Replacement?

[Melanie]

Here are the reasons why the steering wheel becomes misaligned after tire replacement: 1. Uneven tire pressure among the four tires. Solution: Inflate the tires to the same pressure. 2. Wheel weight imbalance. Solution: Perform a four-wheel alignment and dynamic balancing. 3. Steering gear malfunction. Solution: Replace the steering gear. The steering wheel is the round device used to control the direction of the vehicle, connected to the steering shaft via a spline. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver on the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery, typically installed on metal rims. They support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure the vehicle's driving performance.

[OMelanie]

I just got new tires replaced a couple of days ago, and as soon as I started driving, I noticed the steering wheel was crooked, slightly tilted to the right, which felt really awkward. I thought something was wrong with the car. A car-savvy friend told me it's most likely due to improper wheel alignment. Apparently, if the toe-in or camber angle of the suspension system is off during tire replacement, the tires might not be aligned properly, causing the steering wheel to tilt. Later, I took it to a repair shop for a check, and the technician used equipment to readjust the alignment, fixing the issue in about twenty minutes. Excessive tire wear from regular driving can also cause this, so I recommend getting an alignment check when replacing new tires to avoid bigger problems later on.

[DeWilliam]

I've been driving for decades and have encountered the issue of the steering wheel being misaligned after tire changes quite a few times. It's mainly due to incorrect wheel alignment. For instance, when you replace tires and the suspension gets disturbed, the toe angle or camber angle changes, causing tire imbalance and steering wheel deviation. I once experienced severe steering wheel wobbling because the tires weren't installed evenly. A quick trip to the repair shop, where the mechanic diagnosed it as alignment misadjustment, and a simple fix resolved it. Loose rear axle bolts during new tire installation can also cause problems, so remember to check tire balance and wheel hubs. Regular maintenance focusing on alignment settings ensures stable driving and extends tire lifespan.

[Tyra]

Last week, I just got new tires and drove home, but the steering wheel was noticeably crooked, making the drive exhausting. I asked the auto repair shop staff, and they said it's usually because the wheel alignment was skipped—suspension angles like the camber weren't adjusted properly, causing the tires to tilt and the steering wheel to slant. I went for a check, and sure enough, the alignment data was off. After the repair, it straightened out. Next time I change tires, I'll definitely remind them to do the alignment.