Why is the steering wheel crooked when driving straight?

[LaGage]

There are several reasons why the steering wheel is crooked when driving straight: 1. The steering wheel is misaligned. When you let go of the steering wheel while driving, the car does not deviate. This is simply a case of the steering wheel being misaligned, where the steering wheel and steering column have undergone relative rotational displacement. 2. The vehicle deviates when the steering wheel is released. This is a case of the car pulling to one side, requiring a four-wheel alignment and dynamic balancing of the car. 3. Steering gear malfunction. 4. The vehicle's sway bar underneath is deformed. A crooked steering wheel means the car needs the steering wheel to be turned at a certain angle to maintain straight-line driving. If the steering wheel is level, the car cannot drive straight, and the steering wheel cannot automatically return to its original position after being tilted for a turn.

[VonCole]

I've been driving for over a decade, and it's quite common to encounter the issue where the steering wheel is crooked when the car is moving straight. I believe the main cause is uneven tire wear. Things like frequent road debris or insufficient tire pressure can cause the tires to wear unevenly, which then pulls the car to one side when rolling, naturally making the steering wheel misaligned. Another major factor is incorrect wheel alignment, especially issues with the toe-in parameter. Simply put, if the tie rods aren't adjusted properly, the car may drive straight but the steering wheel remains crooked. Suspension wear and tear can't be ignored either—for example, worn ball joints or damaged shock absorbers can cause the steering wheel to drift frequently when driving over bumps. I remember the last time I faced this issue; a quick check at a professional shop fixed it right away. Otherwise, it's not only tiring to drive but also harmful to the car. For prevention, I make it a habit to check tire pressure monthly and schedule regular alignment maintenance, which saves a lot of trouble.

[LaPatrick]

I love playing with cars, and precise driving is crucial. When the car goes straight but the steering wheel is crooked, it really affects the handling feel. I think it's mostly alignment issues, such as incorrect front wheel camber—simply put, the wheels are misaligned. If the tie rods are bent or improperly adjusted, the steering wheel position feels off when turning. Uneven tire wear and inconsistent air pressure are also common issues. For example, after prolonged high-speed driving, tires can wear unevenly on both sides, causing the car to pull to one side due to imbalance. I've driven many modified cars, and issues like rusted or loose steering components (such as ball joints) can also cause this, preventing the steering wheel from centering properly. I recommend checking tire pressure regularly for consistency and using professional tools to test alignment. Addressing these issues early can enhance driving safety and prevent loss of control in emergencies.

[PatrickFitz]

When I first started driving, I also wondered why the car veered when it was supposed to go straight. Actually, it's mostly a tire issue—uneven tire pressure, with one side bulging and the other flat, causing the car to pull and the steering wheel to tilt. Another reason could be misaligned wheels, where the steering linkage isn't calibrated properly, making the steering wheel misaligned with the straight direction. If you frequently drive on rough roads, the suspension wears out faster, and loose ball joints can make the steering wheel crooked. I went straight to the repair shop when I noticed it, and a quick check revealed the problem—minor but quite dangerous. Delaying repairs can accelerate component wear. New drivers might not know how to check, so just keep an eye on tire pressure and wear regularly.