Why Is My Car Pulling to One Side (or My Steering Wheel Crooked)?
Tires, alignment, brakes or just the slope of the road: how a pull or an off-centre steering wheel gets narrowed down, and what to note before you book.
Services · Wheel Alignment
Computerized 3D wheel alignment
A vehicle that pulls, a steering wheel that sits off-centre or tires wearing on one edge are common signs your alignment needs checking. West Yale uses computerized alignment equipment with 3D technology to measure and adjust your wheel angles.
At a glance
- Computerized 3D wheel alignment
- Alignment checks for pulling or uneven wear
- Alignment after suspension or steering work
- Tire and suspension inspection on the same lot
What's covered
Alignment work we handle
Alignment can't fix worn parts. If a loose joint or worn bushing is behind the problem, the angles won't hold. We check for that first, so the alignment you pay for lasts.
- Computerized 3D wheel alignment
- Alignment checks for pulling or uneven wear
- Alignment after suspension or steering work
- Tire and suspension inspection on the same lot
Common reasons people call
Signs your alignment is off
These are some of the signs that bring drivers in. None of them fix themselves — and most are cheaper to deal with early.
- 01Pulling to one side
The vehicle drifts on a straight, level road.
- 02Off-centre steering wheel
The wheel sits crooked when you're driving straight.
- 03Uneven tire wear
One edge of the tread wearing faster than the other.
- 04After a hard hit
A pothole, curb or road debris strike, especially with a new symptom.
- 05After suspension work
New steering or suspension parts can change the angles.
- 06New tires
A good time to make sure the new set wears evenly.
In detail
What a computerized alignment measures
Alignment equipment measures the angles at all four wheels and compares them with your vehicle's specifications:
- Camber — how far each wheel tilts in or out at the top
- Caster — the tilt of the steering axis, which affects straight-line stability
- Toe — whether the wheels point slightly in or out. Toe and camber have the biggest effect on tire wear
- Thrust angle — the direction the rear wheels point relative to the vehicle's centreline
Before an alignment it's standard to confirm the tires match in size and tread pattern and are set to the correct pressure. Source
Why proper diagnosis matters
The right fix starts with the right answer
01 · Find the cause
Test, don't guess
The same symptom can come from several places. Testing narrows it to the part that's actually failing.
02 · Explain it
Know what you're paying for
You'll hear what we found and why it matters before any work goes ahead, with upfront pricing.
03 · Fix what's wrong
No parts cannon
Replacing parts until the problem goes away is expensive. Diagnosis first keeps the bill to what's needed.
Guides & answers
Before you book
Plain-language answers to the questions drivers ask about wheel alignment.
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How do I know my alignment is off?
Pulling, an off-centre steering wheel and uneven tire wear are the usual signs — though tires and brakes can cause a pull to one side too. A computerized alignment check measures the angles directly.
How often should I get an alignment?
There's no single interval for every vehicle. Check your owner's manual, and have it checked when you notice pulling or uneven wear, after a hard pothole or curb hit, or when you fit new tires.
Is alignment the same as balancing?
No. Balancing evens out the weight around the wheel and tire to stop vibration. Alignment sets the angles of the wheels relative to the vehicle and each other.
What is a 3D wheel alignment?
A computerized alignment that measures camber, caster, toe and thrust angle at all four wheels and compares them with your vehicle's specifications, so each angle can be adjusted back into range.
Related services
Often needed alongside wheel alignment
Tires & Wheels
A full tire counter on the same lot: sales, installation, balancing, alignment, repairs and TPMS.
View service
Suspension & Steering
Inspection, repair and replacement for the suspension and steering parts that keep your vehicle stable and tracking straight.
View service
Brake Repair
Brake inspection, repair and replacement, including rotors, for all makes and models.
View serviceBook in for wheel alignment
Send a request with your vehicle details and we'll get back to you, or call the shop line.