Why does the steering wheel need to be slightly tilted to drive straight?
2 Answers
The steering wheel needs to be slightly tilted to drive straight due to an issue with the adjustment of the steering tie rod angles. If the tilt angle is not significant, it can be fixed by adjusting the steering tie rod. The steering tie rod is a crucial component in a car's steering mechanism, and its condition directly affects the vehicle's handling and stability. Problems with the steering tie rod can also impact the normal operation of the tires, and in severe cases, may lead to abnormal tire wear, shortening the tire's lifespan. The steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver on the steering wheel's edge into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft.
I've seen many cars with this issue where the steering wheel isn't straight when driving straight. The main cause is usually a problem with wheel alignment, such as incorrect toe-in or camber angle on the front wheels. It could also be due to uneven tire pressure, where one side of the car is higher than the other, causing the car to pull to one side. Or, aging and wear of suspension components, such as broken control arm bushings or loose ball joints, can make the wheel position unstable. If the car has previously hit a pothole or curb, chassis deformation could also cause the steering wheel to be misaligned. Driving like this for a long time can worsen tire wear and affect safety. It's best not to delay and get a professional wheel alignment check at a repair shop, which usually takes less than half an hour. Regularly check tire pressure during maintenance and keep it within the manufacturer's recommended range to prevent alignment issues.
