Why is My Steering Wheel Not Straight? (Causes and How to Fix)

The steering wheel is the primary control a driver uses to direct a vehicle where it should go. Turning the wheel in one direction should make the tires turn in the same direction a proportional amount.

This needs to be a consistent and reliable property of your vehicle’s steering system. A steering wheel that doesn’t behave as it should may cause accelerated vehicle wear and even dangerous situations.

An off-center steering wheel is relatively easy to diagnose and fix. Most of the time the problem is caused by misaligned wheels, and an alignment shop or repair shop can straighten them out to the manufacturer’s specifications and then make sure the steering wheel is straight.

How a Steering Wheel Works

Most cars, SUVs, and lightweight trucks on the road now have a rack and pinion system for steering. This system uses physical connections to turn the rotational force of the steering wheel into lateral force that turns the vehicle’s tires side to side. The vehicle will then naturally track in the direction the front tires are pointing.

rack and pinion steering system

The steering wheel is connected to the steering column (sometimes known as steering shaft). This column spins as you turn the steering wheel, turning the pinion gear at the bottom.

The rack is a rod with teeth that the pinion gear fits into, and it moves right or left depending on how the gear spins. At the ends of the rack are tie rods, which connect to the steering arm (also known as control arm) on the wheel hubs.

The rack and pinion system makes it easier to turn the wheels. Vehicles come with a specific steering ratio, which is the ratio between a turn of the steering wheel and a turn of the wheels.

Vehicles that have hydraulic power steering also have power steering fluid inside the rack. This fluid provides assistance using pistons located in the middle of the rack. This makes it much easier to turn the steering wheel.

Some vehicles also have four-wheel steering, which means that the rear wheels also turn in response to either the steering wheel inputs or the front wheel angle (and sometimes both).

The steering wheel affects a lot of motion on the vehicle, so if it’s crooked the effects can be quite bothersome.

Related: Why Is a “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care” Message Displayed?

What Does it Mean if My Steering Wheel is Crooked?

If the steering wheel isn’t centered while you’re driving straight, chances are the wheels on the ground are simply misaligned with the steering wheel. This can happen even if the vehicle tracks straight.

Cars are designed to drive straight with no driver input, but this doesn’t always mean that their wheels are pointed exactly straight.

Sometimes the front wheels can be pointed slightly toe-in (front parts of the wheels are pointed towards the center of the car) or toe-out (front parts are pointed away from the car). This is purposeful design by the factory to improve handling for that vehicle.

If the vehicle’s wheels are misaligned, you may experience some of the following symptoms of misalignment.

1) Vehicle Pulls to One Side

steering wheel sideways

If you set the steering wheel straight while driving and your car pulls to one side, one or more of the four wheels probably aren’t aligned. The vehicle should be able to drive straight for a bit without your hands on the steering wheel after you return the wheel to center. Don’t try this in an area where you can hit someone or something!

2) Steering Wheel Vibration

The worse the alignment is, the more you may feel the steering wheel vibrate. This can make for a very uncomfortable ride. This can also happen if a tire is out of balance or a wheel is out of round.

3) Uneven Tire Wear

worn tire treads

When looking at the tires, they should all be worn in about the same way. Check the inner edge vs outer edge wear on each tire, and compare the right and left tires to each other. If any tire has significantly less tread on one side or the other, there’s a misalignment that needs to be addressed.

Uneven tire wear can damage other systems in the car including handling, making for an unsafe ride. The tires will also need more frequent replacement.

4) Wheel Doesn’t Return to Center

steering wheel off center

After a turn, the steering wheel should pop back to a centered position by itself. Vehicles are designed to drive straight by default. If you need to force the steering wheel back to center, the alignment should be checked by a mechanic.

5) Sloppy Steering

If the vehicle is not very responsive to the driver’s steering input, the alignment could be the problem. It’s not only uncomfortable but can be dangerous if the driver needs to suddenly swerve.

Common Causes of Misalignment

Over time, little bumps in the road and mild wear on suspension components can affect the angle of the wheels. This is why it’s a good idea to have the alignment checked and fixed every year or so.

But what if the steering suddenly started behaving erratically? There can be a number of causes.

1) Collisions and Potholes

pot hole in street

Hitting a curb, a tree, or even a large pothole can affect parts in the steering system or suspension in such a way that the wheel’s steering angle is changed.

2) Worn or Bent Steering or Suspension Components

dirty steering shaft

If components of the suspension or steering system are damaged or severely worn on one side, it can alter the wheel angle on that side. It may even make it appear like the car is leaning to one side.

3) Modified Ride Height Without Proper Alignment

Vehicles are carefully designed from the factory to behave in a certain way with the parts they are manufactured with. If one component is changed, related parts often need modification as well so the whole system still works right.

If the vehicle is lowered or lifted, the suspension alignment needs to be modified to accommodate that difference. This can be tricky to do correctly, so either do a lot of research for your specific vehicle or get help from a professional.

Why Is My Steering Wheel Crooked But My Car Drives Straight?

The most likely reason you’re experiencing a crooked steering despite the car driving straight is a misaligned steering wheel. This can happen from normal wear and tear over time or from hitting a pothole or curb (which let’s face it, we’ve all done at least once).

If your car drives straight and only the steering wheel is crooked, a simple adjustment or realignment may be all that’s needed to get you back on the road.

Understanding Wheel Alignment

When it comes to your car’s handling and overall performance, wheel alignment plays a major role. Let’s go over the three key elements responsible for proper alignment: camber, caster, and toe.

Camber

what is camber
Negative camber

Camber refers to the angle of the wheel when viewed from the front of your car. It can be either positive or negative, depending on the direction it tilts.

  • Positive camber is when the top of the wheel tilts away from your car, improving stability during turns.
  • Negative camber is when the top of the wheel tilts towards your car, providing better grip during cornering.

Caster

what is caster

Caster is the angle between the steering axis and a vertical line when viewed from the side of your car. It helps in maintaining straight-line stability and steering wheel returnability.

  • Positive caster is when the steering axis is tilted towards the rear of your car, making it easier to keep a straight course.
  • Negative caster is when the steering axis is tilted towards the front of your car, decreasing straight-line stability but improving handling during turns.

In most vehicles, a slight positive caster is preferred to balance stability and handling.

Toe

Toe refers to the difference in distance between the front and rear of your tires when viewed from the top.

  • Toe-in is when the front of the tires are closer together than the rear, offering better straight-line stability.
  • Toe-out is when the front of the tires are farther apart than the rear, improving responsiveness during turns.

 

Will an Alignment Fix a Crooked Steering Wheel?

wheel alignment cost

Almost all the time, a crooked steering wheel is caused by misalignment. In that case, getting a complete alignment done by a mechanic should fix the problem.

Sometimes an alignment alone cannot correct the issue. This may be a result of a collision that has bent one or more suspension components, such as a tie rod or control arm.

Why is My Steering Wheel Not Centered After an Alignment?

At the end of a professional alignment, the steering wheel should be centered. If not, take the vehicle back to the shop because the alignment either wasn’t done well or the mechanic simply forgot to adjust the steering wheel after the alignment was done.

How to Center a Steering Wheel

There are technically some ways to center a steering wheel at home if the vehicle’s tires are aligned correctly, but it’s not a good idea to try it. It’s easy to mess up since there are a lot of moving parts. Small tweaks in the steering system can have dramatic results.

If you try to fix your steering wheel and don’t do it quite right, the consequences can be disastrous.

How Much Does it Cost to Center a Steering Wheel?

If the vehicle just had an alignment and the steering wheel is still off-center, it should not cost anything to take the vehicle right back to the shop and have them fix it. The shop is obligated to center the steering wheel when they do the alignment.

If the vehicle needs an alignment, most people can expect to pay between $100 and $300. Some vehicles will only need the front two wheels aligned, but most vehicles will need a four wheel alignment.

The mechanic will check the toe, camber, and caster (various angles of the wheels along different axes) of each wheel to ensure it’s within specifications for optimal handling. Some vehicles allow for more adjustment than others.

At the end of a complete alignment, the steering wheel should be straight when the front wheels are straight.

Misalignment and a crooked steering wheel can be annoying and downright dangerous, but they’re easy to take care of. If you’re in doubt, make an appointment with your local mechanic or tire shop right now.

Nikki

20 thoughts on “Why is My Steering Wheel Not Straight? (Causes and How to Fix)”

  1. After an MOT wheel alignment (steering wheel still off centre) took car back for check, steering wheel almost central but rattle coming from steering wheel (what the f has been done) all was ok before MOT test, are there any government inspectors that will come to see if your MOT work has been done correctly.

    Reply
  2. My steering wheel is completely upside down. It only hooks up the the steering column one way.. I’m so sick of this car !!! I need my ex to stay away so I can have a man that knows what he is doing fix it. He said he can put the steering wheel where it needs to be but the horn will have to be disconnected. No no no
    That means it’s not right.

    Reply
  3. Brand new vehicle – alignment checked twice but steering wheel is a couple degrees off to right. They said it’s straight on machine. Will it do any harm m or just cosmetic?

    Reply
    • It’s probably fine, but if it bothers you I’d try another shop that can get the alignment a little more precise.

      If you have worn bushings or ball joints, there may be nothing you can do to perfectly align the steering wheel until the worn components are replaced.

      Reply
  4. Ive gotten 15 alignments done now and at 2 different shops none of them for some reason can get my steering wheel straight i dont know if there not doing all the work they should or what. I replaced the tie rods and when i did i turned the wheel a lottle bit but i turned the tie rods back on the exact amount i took them off im having real problems because its really to the left.

    Reply
    • Has the vehicle ever been in an accident? I wonder if something is bent, or if the factory alignment settings aren’t enough to fix the steering wheel for some reason.

      Reply
  5. my steering wheel is sideways my front tires are straight car wont start cant turn key and it acts like the keys are in the agnition . the doors wont lock etc help me please

    Reply
    • Those sound like a few different problems. The steering can probably be fixed with a good alignment. Try wiggling the steering wheel back and forth as you try to turn the key.

      Reply
  6. My steering wheel is slightly crooked to the left I had the vehicle alignment done thinking it would fix it , brought it back the Chevy dealership and the technician showed me the alignment is straight and said it was probably the road but it is the same no matter the road. Don’t know what to do ?? Suggestion? The vehicle is 8 months old no accidents 2021

    Reply
    • Sometimes the crown in the road makes a vehicle pull slightly right, which means you have to compensate by steering slightly left. Could that be the cause?

      If it’s not, try taking the vehicle to a different alignment shop. That steering wheel should be straight on level ground.

      Reply
  7. My Honda pilot pull one side…I think it is because of collision with a block wall….. which components do u think is affected and are damaged..pls

    Reply
  8. my steering wheel is straight and it drives straight in a mutistory car park but on the road the steering wheel is off. its been like this from new. allignment by lazer jig says its spot on. why?

    Reply
    • Many roads have a crown in them that makes a car pull toward the side of the road, even when the alignment is perfect. Could this be what you’re experiencing?

      Reply

Leave a Comment