Have you ever encountered problems with your steering wheel being off-center? This is annoying because when the steering wheel is off-center, you constantly have to adjust your driving and assume an incorrect sitting position. This can lead to safety issues and physical discomforts such as shoulder and back pain if you have this problem for a long time.

Why is my steering wheel not centered?

There are several reasons steering wheel off center. This can happen due to poor build and design of the vehicle. Although this is rare, it does happen. Most people never notice this. But, the car may come from the factory with the steering wheel tilted or misaligned.

This can happen when you hit the suspension on a hole or pothole. Such sudden shocks dislodge structural components from their original factory positions. A similar problem will arise if you drive too much off-road. When you drive for a long time over rocks and bumps, multiple impacts will push the steering wheel slightly off center.

In addition, the position of the steering wheel depends on the vehicle’s traction angle. Rear wheel or axle offset affects the angle between the thrust line and the centerline. The result is a shift in the steering wheel.

How to fix a crooked steering wheel

When fixing a crooked steering wheel, you must work on 3 angles – Caster, Cumber, and Toe.

Custer – means tilting forward or backward the upper part of the steering axis. It adjusts the steering direction. According to the measurement, backward tilt is considered positive (+) and forward tilt is negative (-).

Camber – the angle of inclination of the wheels from the vertical and straight affects tire wear. The angle becomes positive (+) when the top of the wheel tilts outward. It will be negative (-) when the top slopes inward.

Convergence – refers to the degree of rotation of the front or rear wheels relative to the straight position. The toe angle is positive (+) when the wheels are turned inward and negative (-) when they are turned outward.

Ways to correct a crooked steering wheel

Method 1

This is the easiest way, but you must have some technical knowledge about your car. Also, you must have the right tools because this involves removing the steering wheel from the housing.
Just pick it up and put it back in the correct position. You can also adjust the alignment without removing the steering wheel. But this process requires more time and costs.

Method 2

When the steering deviation is too great, you should take your car to a service center. Professional wheel alignment mechanics will align the steering wheel as it should.

REMEMBER: You can always contact our car service center, where your car will be happy to receive professional technical assistance. You can also make an appointment with us for a scheduled technical inspection! Please familiarize yourself with our car repair and diagnostic services.