What causes the steering wheel to be off center?
When you turn the steering wheel, the gear/rack moves the tie rods, which, in turn, move the wheels left or right. When a wheel impacts a pothole, the tie rods are a weak link and can bend, causing the steering wheel to be off center and the wheel alignment to be off as well.
Why do I need to replace my steering wheel?
In any case, a damaged wheel needs to be replaced. Connecting the wheel to the suspension system is the wheel hub and bearing. Together, these components serve to reduce friction (with a collection of ball bearings) as the wheel spins.
How is the steering knuckle attached to the steering wheel?
In addition to holding on to the hub and bearing, the steering knuckle also turns with the steering wheel, allowing the front wheels to change directions.The steering knuckle is attached by way of the ball joint to the lower control arm at the bottom, and to either an upper control arm or to the strut assembly at the top.
What to do if your steering wheel is bent out of alignment?
Suspension bent out of alignment can usually be put back into place by a qualified mechanic, but until it’s fixed you may notice your steering wheel is off center, your car pulls in one direction, the handling feels loose, and your tires wear unevenly.
What happens if your suspension and steering are broken?
The insurance adjuster as well as the body shop estimator will visually check for bent or broken suspension and steering components. However, a mere visual inspection is not enough. Bent, broken or misaligned suspension or steering components can cause a vehicle to handle poorly, as well as cause excessive tire wear and poor fuel economy.
How does a pothole affect the steering wheel?
The impact of a serious pothole may bend a control arm. Often it sets your steering wheel off-centre, and can affect how your steering reacts. You may not notice those symptoms immediately, but your tyres will begin to wear unevenly. Stabiliser Bar Link Ranging in length from 10cm to 30cm, stabiliser bar links have small ball joints at each end.
Can a frontal collision damage the suspension and steering?
Severe collisions can often damage suspension and steering components. Knowing how to properly repair these components is critical to returning the car to safe operation. During a severe frontal collision, a vehicle will often sustain damage to its suspension and steering systems.
When you turn the steering wheel, the gear/rack moves the tie rods, which, in turn, move the wheels left or right. When a wheel impacts a pothole, the tie rods are a weak link and can bend, causing the steering wheel to be off center and the wheel alignment to be off as well.