Steering wheel does not center
Recently my 1996 Pathfinder has been having issues with the steering wheel. When I am driving and need to make a turn, I turn the steering wheel and the vehicle responds normally into the turn. However, when I bring the steering wheel back to the normal position after executing the turn, the steering wheel is not centered even when the tires are. The wheel is still in the direction of the last turn. Eventually the steering wheel centers itself out after driving for a few minutes. The steering is responsive and the car turns in initially, its only when coming out of the turn that the wheel does
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The problem to me sounds like you have worn out bushings that hold the power steering rack and pinion assembly. This is why your steering wheel gets off center in the direction of the turn. Have the steering inspected and the bushings replaced if they are bad. You should have no problems then.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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We here at Oxford Automotive can answer that question quickly and easily: Your steering wheel is off-center when you`re driving straight because your wheels aren`t aligned correctly. This is one sign of a bad wheel alignment, and you might notice the steering wheel is crooked right after you`ve had the wheels aligned.
The cause of this issue is usually due to uneven camber or caster side-to-side. This is usually caused by a component within the suspension system, such as a bent spindle or strut, collapsed arm bushing, weak springs, and more.
Possible Cause #1: Friction or too little clearance in the steering gear, steering linkage or ball joints. Possible Cause #2: Low or uneven tire pressure. Possible Cause #3: Excessive positive caster on wheels/tires, which also causes the steering wheel to return too fast.
The two levers on the steering column contain controls for driving features you use most often. The left lever controls the turn signals, headlights, and high beams. The right lever controls the windshield washers and wipers.
Things like hitting potholes, bumping curbs, or even minor accidents are all common causes of one or more of your wheels coming out of alignment. Second, normal wear and tear can all eventually cause your car to come out of alignment.
Driving a vehicle with improper wheel alignment can cause uneven wear on the tires. If the problem is not corrected soon enough, a vehicle`s tires could suffer premature wear and tear, making them unsafe.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Steering wheel does not center
ANSWER : The problem to me sounds like you have worn out bushings that hold the power steering rack and pinion assembly. This is why your steering wheel gets off center in the direction of the turn. Have the steering inspected and the bushings replaced if they are bad. You should have no problems then.
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Problem with steering on one side only.
ANSWER : Hi there. The power steering system has a control valve that sends the fluid through the rack and pinion system. The valve maybe plugged up and causing the fluid to not return to the reservoir fast enough.
For the alignment issue, check all of the suspension and see what is loose or could be damaged. I recommend having an alignment performed on the vehicle after replacing any suspension or steering parts. If you need further assistance with your alignment, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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My steering wheel squeaks when turning left
ANSWER : The problem does need to be fixed. The steering wheel shaft may be binding in the steering column. You may also have another problem with the front end if the squeaking noise is not coming from the steering column. If the column is squeaking then you should have a mechanic come look at it and diagnose the issue. Only a qualified mechanic should inspect it since the air bags on the steering wheel may need to be removed to diagnose and complete the repairs. A certified mobile YourMechanic can come examine the problem at your home or office.
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Steering wheel off-center, counter-clockwise
ANSWER : It is very possible that something may not have been tightened down enough during the alignment that you had done and that something slipped out of place. Alignments are very sensitive and are measured down to the hundredths of a degree. If something is not tightened to specification, and it moves even a quarter of a degree, this is enough to change the alignment specifications and may very well cause your steering wheel to go off center.
I would recommend taking your vehicle back to where the alignment was last performed and ask them to recheck it. The alignment is the only thing that can cause the steering wheel to be off center other than if the steering wheel was removed recently and not reinstalled correctly. If you want to have this looked at by an independent mechanic, a technician from YourMechanic can inspect your steering system and let you know what should be done.
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steering wheel won’t unlock my key turns only to turn lights on but that’s it can’t unlock steering wheel to start the car what to
ANSWER : The steering lock may not be unlocking either due to a faulty ignition lock housing or more commonly as the cars age a faulty spring at the steering wheel on the under side of the column. If the ignition lock housing is the issue the housing can be replaced. It s a bit tricky as the mounting bolt has break off heads and generally need to be driven out with a punch. If the lock is not disengaging because of a faulty spring on the ignition lock many owners have had the spring removed by having it drilled out of the housing. However, removing the spring may permanently disable the steering lock. The last option would be to replace the steering column. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic who can recommend the proper repair for your situation.
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The steering wheel of my Toyota Etios does not return to center
ANSWER : This is an ongoing problem with Toyota and I was unable to find a true fix for this problem. I would recommend having the entire front end checked for any issues and the alignment checked to make sure that the caster is not set too low causing a low return ability of the steering.
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Steering wheel isn’t straight after getting an alignment
ANSWER : Hello. In order to properly adjust the steering wheel an alignment must be properly performed. It sounds like you have not had a good alignment. If you get an alignment the steering wheel should always be straight when you are done. If not you should be taking the vehicle back to the alignment shop. You can adjust the steering wheel with the tie rod ends but the toe angle will not stay within specification. If you’d like a second opinion on the issue, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to diagnose the steering pull firsthand. Good luck.
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Can front wheel drive car engine power rear wheel drive
ANSWER : Anything is possible with enough engineering. The changes you are looking at would take major structural changes and would definitely not be an easy job. You could possibly consult a manufacturing engineer to get more details on how this could actually be carried out and whether it would be feasible.
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