Why Is My Steering Wheel Off Center But Drives Straight? Here’s How To Fix It

Are you frustrated with driving a car with an off-center steering wheel? Not only can it affect your driving experience, but it can also be a safety hazard. Unfortunately, an off-center steering wheel is a common problem, and various factors can cause it. Fortunately, it is also a problem that can be fixed.

In this article, we will discuss what causes a steering wheel not to be straight, how to fix it, and what to do if the steering wheel is still off-center after an alignment.

What Causes Your Steering Wheel Not to Be Straight?

Your steering wheel can become off-center due to several factors, such as improper wheel alignment, worn suspension components, or a bent steering linkage. Driving over rough terrain or hitting a pothole or curb can cause your steering wheel to be off-center.

One of the most common causes of an off-center steering wheel is wheel misalignment. When your car is manufactured, the wheels are aligned to ensure they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground.

However, as you drive your vehicle, the wheels can become misaligned due to hitting a pothole or curb, driving over rough terrain, or even normal wear and tear. This can cause your steering wheel to be off-center.

Car driving through a pothole with splashes of water.

Another common cause of an off-center steering wheel is worn suspension components. The suspension system is designed to keep your car’s wheels in contact with the road and absorb shocks and vibrations. If the suspension components are worn, they can cause your wheels to move out of alignment, resulting in an off-center steering wheel.

How Can You Fix a Steering Wheel That’s Off-Center?

The good news is that you can fix an off-center steering wheel. The first step is to determine the cause of the problem. If your steering wheel is off-center due to a misaligned wheel, the solution is to align your wheels.

This involves adjusting the angles of your wheels, so they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. A professional mechanic can perform this service using specialized equipment.

If your steering wheel is off-center due to worn suspension components, the solution is to replace the damaged parts. This may include replacing worn shocks, struts, or ball joints. Once the worn components are replaced, your wheels can be aligned to ensure your steering wheel is centered.

It’s important to note that attempting to fix an off-center steering wheel without the proper tools and knowledge can be dangerous. It is best to have a professional mechanic diagnose and fix the problem.

What if Your Steering Wheel is Still Off-Center After an Alignment?

If your steering wheel is still off-center after an alignment, it may be due to a bent steering linkage. The steering linkage connects your steering wheel to your wheels and allows you to control the direction of your car. If the steering linkage is bent, it can cause your steering wheel to be off-center.

In this case, the solution is to replace the bent steering linkage. This requires a professional mechanic, which involves removing and replacing the damaged component.

Signs Your Steering Wheel is Off-Center

It can be difficult to tell if your steering wheel is off-center while driving, but there are a few signs to look out for. One sign is if your car pulls to one side while driving, even if you’re driving on a straight road.

Another sign is if your tires are wearing unevenly, which can indicate a misalignment issue. You may also notice that your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight or that you must turn the wheel slightly to one side to drive straight.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your car checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to prevent any potential safety hazards on the road.

How an Off-Center Steering Wheel Can Affect Your Car

Driving an off-center steering wheel can affect your car’s performance and safety. It can cause uneven tire wear, leading to reduced traction and handling and even resulting in a blowout.

An off-center steering wheel can also cause your car to pull to one side, making it difficult to maintain a straight line and increasing your risk of an accident. Additionally, an off-center steering wheel can cause premature wear on your car’s suspension components, leading to costly repairs down the road.

How to Prevent Your Steering Wheel from Becoming Off-Center

While some causes of an off-center steering wheel are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to prevent them from happening. One important step is to have your wheels aligned regularly.

This is especially important if you frequently drive on rough roads or hit potholes or curbs. Another step is to have your suspension components checked regularly for wear and tear and replaced as needed. By taking these preventative measures, you can avoid the frustration and potential safety hazards of driving with an off-center steering wheel.

DIY Fixes for an Off-Center Steering Wheel

While it’s best to have a professional mechanic diagnose and fix an off-center steering wheel, you can try a few DIY fixes at home. One option is to adjust the tie rod ends yourself, but this requires specialized tools and knowledge and can be dangerous if not done correctly.

Another option is to try rotating your tires, as uneven tire wear can cause an off-center steering wheel. However, this temporary fix won’t address the underlying issue. It’s important to remember that attempting DIY fixes without the proper knowledge and tools can be dangerous and cause further damage to your car.

The Importance of Proper Alignment

Proper alignment is crucial for your car’s performance and safety. When your wheels are properly aligned, your car handles better and is easier to control. It also reduces tire wear and prolongs the life of your suspension components. Proper alignment can also improve fuel efficiency, saving you money on gas over time.

Common Signs of Misalignment

In addition to an off-center steering wheel, there are other signs of misalignment to look out for. These include uneven tire wear, a car that pulls to one side while driving, and a vibrating steering wheel. You may also notice that your car doesn’t handle as well as it used to or feels like you’re constantly correcting your steering while driving.

The Alignment Process

Wheel alignment being done by the specialist on a car wheel.

The alignment process involves adjusting the angles of your wheels to ensure they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This involves measuring and adjusting each wheel’s camber, caster, and toe angles. A professional mechanic will use specialized equipment to align your wheels correctly.

When to Get Your Wheels Aligned

It’s important to align your wheels regularly, even if you don’t notice any issues with your steering wheel or handling. Most experts recommend aligning your wheels every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, you may need to have them aligned more frequently if you drive on rough roads or hit potholes or curbs.

Other Factors that Affect Steering Wheel Alignment

In addition to the causes of an off-center steering wheel, other factors can affect your steering wheel alignment. One is the weight distribution of your car. If your car is loaded unevenly, it can cause one side of your car to sit lower than the other, leading to misalignment.

Another factor is worn or damaged suspension components, which can cause your wheels to move out of alignment even after an alignment service.

Getting Professional Help

If you’re unsure about the cause of your off-center steering wheel or you’ve tried DIY fixes without success, it’s important to get professional help. A certified mechanic can diagnose the problem and provide a safe and effective solution.

They can also ensure that other car components are functioning properly and help you prevent future issues. While it can be tempting to try to save money by fixing your car yourself, attempting repairs without the proper knowledge and tools can be dangerous and can cause further damage to your car.

How Do I Fix My Steering Wheel Not Centered?

When driving, if you discover that your steering wheel is off-center, it may be a sign that your wheels or suspension system are out of alignment. This may cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, and dangerous driving conditions.

You may take various steps to solve this problem, such as checking the tire pressure, making the appropriate changes, and examining the suspension system for worn-out or broken parts like tie rods, ball joints, and control arms, replacing them as necessary.

Driver checking his tires before a long travel.

If the issue continues, you may need to arrange a professional wheel alignment to straighten the wheels perpendicular to the ground and parallel. A skilled technician may be able to reset a misaligned steering angle sensor if that is the case in certain instances.

It’s crucial to take care of any steering or suspension issues as quickly as possible to guarantee safe driving conditions and to do routine maintenance and inspections to stop these issues from occurring in the first place.

The Costs of Steering Wheel Maintenance and Realignment

The costs for wheel realigning are from $50 to $170 for full alignment service. Having your steering wheel realigned eliminates the dangerous potentiality that your wheel points in the wrong direction as you drive.

Your steering and suspension mechanisms are reset through the realignment services, ensuring proper steering and reducing the chances of imbalance when you operate it. There are complex and technical works that combine the requirements of mechanical and electronic knowledge.

Thus, the labor force that conducts these services is professional and experts in what they do. And availing of a realignment service of your steering wheel is also associated with a fee and reasonable cost.

Not all steering wheel realignment costs are the same. Depending on the company, some have specialized and signature techniques that are exclusively done. However, costs can also differ according to the alignment type. Wheel alignment should be done once a year, but depending on how far and how complex your drive is, it can be necessary.

Taking Action

If you’ve noticed that your steering wheel is off-center, it’s important to take action to address the issue. Ignoring the problem can lead to reduced performance and safety risks while driving.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify the cause of your off-center steering wheel and take steps to fix it. Whether through DIY fixes or professional help, taking action will help you ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience for yourself and others on the road.

A woman driving a car.

An off-center steering wheel can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem, but it can be fixed by addressing the underlying issue. Whether due to misalignment, worn suspension components, or a bent steering linkage, a professional mechanic can diagnose and fix the problem to ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience.

By taking preventative measures and regularly checking your car, you can avoid the frustration and safety hazards of an off-center steering wheel. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope it has been helpful in addressing your off-center steering wheel issue.

Avatar photo
About Matthew Webb

Hi, I am Matthew! I am a dedicated car nerd! During the day, I am a journalist, at night I enjoy working on my 2 project cars. I have been a car nerd all my life, and am excited to share my knowledge with you!