1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I've had a lot of experience with alignment problems and "off center" steering wheels. I hope that the following info helps!
First: Check tire pressure with an accurate pressure gauge. I recommend a digital one (for accuracy) or a good dial type gauge (don't even think about using a "pop out" stick type of gauge....they are not very accurate.
I have learned that a 2psi difference between tires (especially in the front) is about all that it takes to notice your car starting to pull to one side or the other. Rembember that for every 10 degree temperature increase your tire pressure will increase about 2psi. If you want to obtain accurate tire readings I recommend leaving your car in the garage overnight and checking the tire pressure before you drive the car.
To give an example of relative temperature effecting tire pressures:
I had set my front tires both at 32psi after my 9-3 SE sat in the garage overnight at about 60 degrees (I used a very accurate digital gauge). After I had been at work for several hours I went outside to check my tire pressure again (don't ask me why)....anyway, My driver side front tire read 31.5 psi and my passenger side front tire read 34 psi. It took me a couple of seconds to figure out why there was a pressure difference. And "WHY"....YOU ASK, was there a pressure difference? The driver side of the car was in the shade and the passenger side was in the sun!
You may wonder why this is important?? If you had adjusted your tire pressure at that moment (not knowing what I just told you) your tires would actually be about 2.5 psi apart. This would be enough for you to notice a slight pull to one side while driving!
Also remember:
1. Assuming your alignment is correct, a low tire will make your car pull to the same side..but it will make your steering wheel off center in the opposite direction.
2. Make sure you are on a level road (most roads slope toward the median for water drainage) and make sure it is not windy.
Good luck!
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
