Steering Wheel Alignment: Signs & Fixes

Is Your Steering Wheel Leading You Astray?

It's a common enough occurrence for most drivers to notice their steering wheel isn't quite straight when they're driving on a level road. While it might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, a crooked steering wheel is often a significant indicator of a more serious problem: your car's wheel alignment, also commonly referred to as 'tracking', is out of sync. This isn't just about aesthetics; compromised alignment can lead to a host of issues, from premature tyre wear to compromised handling and safety. Understanding the signs and causes of misaligned wheels is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity.

The Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Signs of Misalignment

Your car will often give you clues when its alignment is off. Paying attention to these signals can save you from more costly repairs down the line. Here are the most common symptoms to watch out for:

• Uneven or Rapid Tyre Wear: This is perhaps the most definitive sign. If you notice that your tyres are wearing out faster than usual, or that the wear is concentrated on one edge (either inside or outside), it's a strong indicator of alignment issues. This happens because the wheels are not travelling in the same direction, causing them to drag and scrub against the road surface.
• Steering Wheel Crooked When Driving Straight: As mentioned, if your steering wheel isn't centred when you're on a flat, level road and driving in a straight line, your alignment is almost certainly compromised. The steering wheel should ideally sit perfectly straight.
• Vehicle Pulls to One Side: If your car consistently drifts to the left or right, even when you're holding the steering wheel straight, this is a classic symptom of misalignment. One set of wheels is likely pushing the vehicle in a different direction than the others.
• Loose or Unstable Handling: A car with poor alignment may feel 'wandery' or less responsive. You might feel like you're constantly making small adjustments to keep the vehicle going straight, especially at higher speeds. This 'steering wander' can be caused by various issues, including mismatched tyres, low or uneven tyre pressure, or binding in the steering linkage or steering gear.
• Squealing Tyres: While tyre squeal can be caused by aggressive driving, it can also be a sign of alignment problems. When tyres are not tracking correctly, they can scrub against the road, producing an audible squeal, even during normal driving.
• Steering Wheel Not Returning to Centre: After making a turn, your steering wheel should naturally return to the centre position. If it feels stiff, slow to return, or doesn't return fully, this can point to issues with the steering system or the alignment itself.

What Causes Tracking Problems?

Wheel alignment isn't something that typically goes wrong overnight. It's usually a gradual process, often caused by the cumulative effects of daily driving. The primary culprits include:

• General Wear and Tear: Over time, the various components of your suspension and steering systems can wear down. Bushings, ball joints, and tie rods can develop play, leading to changes in wheel alignment.
• Impacts and Disturbances: Even seemingly minor incidents can affect your alignment. Hitting a pothole, mounting a kerb, driving too fast over speed bumps, or being involved in an accident can knock your wheels out of their specified angles.
• Incorrect Adjustments: If previous adjustments were not made to the manufacturer's specifications, or if components were not re-aligned after repairs, it can lead to ongoing alignment problems.
• Worn Suspension Components: Components like shock absorbers, springs, and control arms play a vital role in maintaining wheel alignment. If these are worn or damaged, they can significantly impact how your wheels sit relative to the road.

Understanding the Key Alignment Factors

Wheel alignment refers to the angles at which your wheels are set in relation to the road and each other. The three main factors that determine alignment are:

'Tracking' vs. Wheel Alignment: Is There a Difference?

In essence, 'tracking' is just another term for wheel alignment. It refers to the process of ensuring that your vehicle's wheels are positioned correctly according to the manufacturer's specifications. The term 'tracking' often specifically refers to the alignment of the front wheels, but in common usage, it's used interchangeably with four-wheel alignment.

How Long Does it Take to Fix Tracking?

A standard wheel alignment, whether for two or four wheels, typically takes around one hour to complete. However, this timeframe doesn't include waiting time at the garage. If the technician discovers that any suspension or steering components, such as ball joints, track rods, or bushings, are worn or damaged, the repair time can increase significantly. Replacing these parts will naturally add to the overall duration of the service.

How Often Should You Get Your Alignment Checked?

The frequency of alignment checks depends on several factors, but here are some general guidelines:

• Regular Maintenance: Many experts recommend getting your wheel alignment checked annually, or every 10,000 miles.
• After Tyre Change: It's highly advisable to get an alignment whenever you fit new tyres. This ensures you maximise the lifespan of your new rubber and that they wear evenly from the start.
• After Impacts: If you've hit a significant pothole, kerb, or experienced any other jarring impact, it's wise to have your alignment checked.
• If Symptoms Appear: As soon as you notice any of the signs of misalignment mentioned earlier, book an appointment for a check.
• Rough Road Conditions: If you frequently drive on rough or unpaved roads, consider having your alignment checked twice a year.

Some advocate for checking alignment with every oil change, or every 6,000 miles, to proactively maintain optimal safety and tyre life.

Can You Check Alignment at Home?

While a professional alignment is done with specialised equipment, you can perform a basic check at home to get an idea of whether your alignment might be off. For checking 'toe':

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Ensure the steering wheel is centred and the wheels are pointing straight ahead.
3. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the front inner points of the front tyres.
4. Then, measure the distance between the rear inner points of the front tyres at the same height from the ground.
5. If the front measurement is significantly different from the rear measurement, your toe alignment is likely off. A slight difference (usually a fraction of an inch) is normal and intentional for most vehicles.

This home check is a rudimentary test and cannot replace a professional alignment, which measures camber and caster as well.

What Happens When Alignment is Off?

When your wheels are out of alignment, they tend to 'drag' or fight against each other as you drive. This creates resistance, forcing you to maintain a firmer grip on the steering wheel to keep the car travelling straight. Beyond the discomfort and increased effort required for steering, misaligned wheels can:

• Adversely Affect Handling and Braking: The car's ability to respond predictably to steering inputs and braking can be compromised, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
• Increase Fuel Consumption: The increased drag and resistance from misaligned wheels mean your engine has to work harder, leading to a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency.

How Much Does a Wheel Alignment Cost?

The cost of a wheel alignment can vary depending on your location and the garage you choose. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from around £60 to £100 for a standard front-wheel or four-wheel alignment. Some national chains may offer a fixed price across all their locations. While an alignment check might sometimes be offered for free, the actual adjustment and alignment process will incur a charge.

Addressing Steering Wander

Steering wander, the tendency for a vehicle to drift side-to-side, can be a frustrating and concerning issue. Common causes include:

• Mismatched or Incorrectly Inflated Tyres: Tyres with different tread patterns, wear levels, or air pressures can cause the vehicle to pull or wander.
• Binding or Poor Lubrication: Issues within the steering linkage or steering gear, such as binding or a lack of lubrication, can impede smooth steering operation and contribute to wander.

In Conclusion

Maintaining proper wheel alignment is a fundamental aspect of car care. It directly impacts tyre life, fuel economy, handling, and, most importantly, your safety on the road. By being aware of the symptoms and understanding the causes, you can ensure your vehicle is always tracking true.

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