car pulls to the right on the highway at speed

ihatepostmodernism · 06-04-2008, 01:08 AM

If I take my hands off the steering wheel (while it is centered) on the highway my car veers slowly to the right. What do you guys think is causing this? Alignment? Tires? Slope of the road? I am planning on taking it in to get this checked out.

Dan203 · 06-04-2008, 02:09 AM

Could be an alignment problem. I've heard reports of cars being out of alignment from the factory and not being caught by VPC or the dealer.

Dan

MrDrWatson · 06-04-2008, 05:19 AM

If you park your car on the curbwalk (spelling?), after a time the alignment changes, usually to the side where you park your car.

Lester · 06-04-2008, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihatepostmodernism

If I take my hands off the steering wheel (while it is centered) on the highway my car veers slowly to the right. What do you guys think is causing this? Alignment? Tires? Slope of the road? I am planning on taking it in to get this checked out.

Check your tire pressures to make sure they are even.

Most roads slope to the right slightly for water drainage.

Timbo · 06-04-2008, 06:11 AM

Should be an easy fix at any tire shop (or at the dealer considering you just picked it up.... will just take longer is my guess)

atr_hugo · 06-04-2008, 07:19 AM

The slope to the right of the road is for drainage of course and the road is referred to as a 'crowned' road. If it only occurs on roads with a pronounced crown, it may be just the that. If, in a level parking lot, it pulls to one side at slow speed or if the steering wheel is slightly off-center when headed straight - then you definetly have an alignment problem.

itsthechuck · 06-04-2008, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

The slope to the right of the road is for drainage of course and the road is referred to as a 'crowned' road. If it only occurs on roads with a pronounced crown, it may be just the that. If, in a level parking lot, it pulls to one side at slow speed or if the steering wheel is slightly off-center when headed straight - then you definetly have an alignment problem.

Exactly what I was thinking, give it a go in a flat parking lot at low speed and see what happens. As long as its not pulling hard right on the highway you may just be following the slope of the roadway.

TagMan · 06-04-2008, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

The slope to the right of the road is for drainage of course and the road is referred to as a 'crowned' road. If it only occurs on roads with a pronounced crown, it may be just the that. If, in a level parking lot, it pulls to one side at slow speed or if the steering wheel is slightly off-center when headed straight - then you definetly have an alignment problem.

+1
Let us know what you find out.
Fortunately, it's easy to correct.

ihatepostmodernism · 06-10-2008, 05:55 PM

FYI I spoke to a BMW representative who indicated that all new BMWs have their alignment set to veer slightly to the right so that if you fall asleep at the wheel you will not go into oncoming traffic. I have heard this before, and I think it is correct. If I hold the wheel straight the car appears to go straight. I recently drove a rental car (dodge) and it did the same thing.

RobLS · 06-10-2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihatepostmodernism

FYI I spoke to a BMW representative who indicated that all new BMWs have their alignment set to veer slightly to the right so that if you fall asleep at the wheel you will not go into oncoming traffic. I have heard this before, and I think it is correct. If I hold the wheel straight the car appears to go straight. I recently drove a rental car (dodge) and it did the same thing.

Hmm thats interesting, but I wouldn't discredit that just yet. Confirmations though please :smile:

moff · 06-10-2008, 06:02 PM

My car's alignment was out and the steering wheel was not quite straight when I collected my car.

All fixed now though, and driving like a dream!

06-04-2008, 01:08 AM	#1
ihatepostmodernism Private 9 Rep 96 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	car pulls to the right on the highway at speed If I take my hands off the steering wheel (while it is centered) on the highway my car veers slowly to the right. What do you guys think is causing this? Alignment? Tires? Slope of the road? I am planning on taking it in to get this checked out.
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06-04-2008, 02:09 AM	#2
Dan203 Lieutenant Colonel 136 Rep 1,592 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Carson City, NV iTrader: (1)	Could be an alignment problem. I've heard reports of cars being out of alignment from the factory and not being caught by VPC or the dealer. Dan
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06-04-2008, 05:19 AM	#3
MrDrWatson Enlisted Member 1 Rep 38 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	If you park your car on the curbwalk (spelling?), after a time the alignment changes, usually to the side where you park your car.
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06-04-2008, 06:11 AM	#5
Timbo First Lieutenant 4 Rep 302 Posts Drives: BMW 135 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Should be an easy fix at any tire shop (or at the dealer considering you just picked it up.... will just take longer is my guess)
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06-04-2008, 07:19 AM	#6
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	The slope to the right of the road is for drainage of course and the road is referred to as a 'crowned' road. If it only occurs on roads with a pronounced crown, it may be just the that. If, in a level parking lot, it pulls to one side at slow speed or if the steering wheel is slightly off-center when headed straight - then you definetly have an alignment problem.
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06-10-2008, 05:55 PM	#9
ihatepostmodernism Private 9 Rep 96 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	FYI I spoke to a BMW representative who indicated that all new BMWs have their alignment set to veer slightly to the right so that if you fall asleep at the wheel you will not go into oncoming traffic. I have heard this before, and I think it is correct. If I hold the wheel straight the car appears to go straight. I recently drove a rental car (dodge) and it did the same thing.
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06-10-2008, 06:02 PM	#11
moff Colonel 1364 Rep 2,495 Posts Drives: X4M Competition Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nottingham GB iTrader: (0)	My car's alignment was out and the steering wheel was not quite straight when I collected my car. All fixed now though, and driving like a dream! __________________ Arrived! 2022 X4M Competition, SPY + Black Merino Gone: 2019 X3M Competition, Toronto Red, Adelaide Grey.
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