How To Straighten The Steering Wheels? The Right Way To Do It!

It feels great to have good control over your car but sometimes it becomes hard to keep the wheels aligned. If even after turning the steering wheel the right way, your car moves in the wrong direction, consider straightening the steering wheel. 

And, if the question “How to straighten the steering wheel” is bothering you; the following procedure would definitely help you big time.

How to Straighten the Steering Wheel

The steering wheel stability is a must in vehicles when it comes to enhancing driving comfort. Shaky steering wheels ruin the driving experience of any car enthusiast. But do not worry as this is not an issue you can’t deal with. 

This off-centering of the steering wheel can be fixed easily by following certain guidelines and instructions.

Process Initializing and Slackening the Nuts

The first step towards straightening the steering wheel involves driving your car in a straight line without any deviations. Following that, park it in a spacious place and lift it on floor jacks for easily reaching the tie rods. 

Next comes slackening off the tie rod nuts. A big wrench should be your tool when it comes to releasing the tie rod nuts. Let the wrench clutch around the nut and turn it half way so that it loosens a bit.

One thing to remember here is that you need not take out the nut completely; it is just the loosening that needs to be done.

          SEE MORE:

• The Reasons That Lead To The steering Wheel Trembling
• Reasons A Car Shakes When Enforcing The Accelerator

Work upon the steering Wheel

Once the inner tie rod nuts have been loosened, get in your car. Get a hold on the steering wheel and try straightening it by whirling it a number of times. 

Make sure the alignment is perfect and if you are naïve and don’t have any idea about alignment, seeking professional help is advisable. 

This will ensure safety and effectiveness of the job at hand. You could also look for maintenance tips that can help you know the mechanism of the steering wheel alignments.

Align and Adjust a String in a Parallel Fashion

This step answers “How to straighten the steering wheel”. Firstly, find an unbreakable thread that is as long as your car. 

Start from one of the ends of the thread and wind it on any unwavering object. Make sure the object is high enough to match the height of the center of the wheel. 

Repeat the process with the other end while making sure the thread runs through the center of the wheels. For adjusting the string make use of a measuring tape by placing it on the wheel’s rim on the rear end of the car.

Check the distance between the wheel’s rim and the thread. Repeat the process on the other end of the same wheel. If the measurements turn out to be equal, the alignment is done. 

But if not, adjust the string distance to ensure an equal measurement or adjust the tie rods again. Repeat the process on the other wheel.

Tighten The Nuts And You Are Ready To Go

The last step involves tightening of the loosened tie rod nuts again. You can do that by using the wrench and making sure that the wheels do not move. 

Repeat the process on the other wheel. Now you are good to go. To make sure that everything has been perfectly done, go for a test drive. 

If the driving experience becomes better, you have done a good job. And, if the problem continues to affect the driving experience, you need to work through the mentioned steps again.

Whenever “How to straighten the steering wheel” is revolving around your head, following this simple procedure will enhance your driving experience. 

However, keep in mind that consulting the right professional is never too late if you are stuck anywhere in between.

FAQs on Straightening The Steering Wheels

1. 
   

   Can I drive with a crooked steering wheel?

While it’s possible to drive with a crooked steering wheel, it’s not advisable as it can indicate alignment or suspension problems. 

Continuing to drive this way can lead to uneven tire wear and affect vehicle handling. It’s best to address the issue promptly.

2. Can I fix a crooked steering wheel myself?

Minor steering wheel adjustments can be made by carefully centering it while the vehicle is stationary. 

However, for more complex issues or if the problem persists, it’s recommended to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and adjustment.

3. What causes steering wheel misalignment after hitting a pothole or curb?

Hitting a pothole or curb with force can disrupt the vehicle’s alignment, causing the steering wheel to become misaligned. This impact can affect the alignment angles of the wheels and the steering components.

4. How do I know if my steering wheel alignment is off?

Signs of steering wheel misalignment include a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, vehicle veering to one side, uneven tire wear, or a feeling of the car pulling in one direction. If you notice these issues, it’s time to check and adjust the alignment.

5. Can wheel alignment be done at home?

While minor adjustments can be made to center the steering wheel, a professional wheel alignment is best done at a specialized automotive service center. 

It requires precision equipment and expertise to ensure proper alignment, camber, caster, and toe settings.

6. How often should I get a wheel alignment check?

It’s recommended to have a wheel alignment check annually or whenever you replace tires, hit a significant obstacle, or experience handling issues. Regular checks can help prevent uneven tire wear and maintain vehicle stability.

7. What’s involved in a professional wheel alignment service?

A professional wheel alignment involves measuring and adjusting the angles of the wheels, including camber, caster, and toe, to the manufacturer’s specifications. 

It ensures that all four wheels are properly aligned for optimal handling and tire wear.

8. Can a DIY wheel alignment kit be effective?

DIY wheel alignment kits are available, but they may not provide the same level of precision as professional equipment. For precise alignment and to avoid potential safety issues, it’s advisable to have alignments done by professionals.

Check out this video from Bros FOURR Speed to learn how to do an at home front end alignment on your car to straighten out your steering wheel!

Conclusion

Straightening a steering wheel is a straightforward yet important task for maintaining safe and comfortable driving.

Whether your steering wheel is misaligned due to a recent repair, tire rotation, or general wear and tear, taking the time to correct it ensures that your vehicle tracks straight and that you have full control behind the wheel.