If your vehicle is showing vehicle pulls or drifts to one side while driving straight, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.
Unequal air pressure between the left and right tires, or a structural defect inside the tire casing (known as a radial pull), will cause the vehicle to drift toward the side with higher rolling resistance.
Incorrect camber or caster angles will force the vehicle to pull to one side. This is often caused by hitting potholes, curbs, or failing to perform an alignment after replacing suspension components.
A seized caliper piston or stuck slide pins will cause the brake pads to constantly drag on the rotor. This creates heavy friction on one side, pulling the vehicle and usually generating excessive heat and a burning smell.
Worn tie rods, ball joints, or control arm bushings allow the wheels to shift out of their proper alignment dynamically while driving, causing wandering or pulling.
If a brake caliper is accidentally flipped and bolted back on during a recent brake job, the twisted rubber hose acts as a check valve. It traps hydraulic pressure, causing the brake to drag severely on that side.
A severely worn wheel bearing can create enough mechanical drag to pull the steering to one side. This is almost always accompanied by a loud humming, roaring, or grinding noise that changes pitch with vehicle speed.
An internal hydraulic leak or a failing spool valve inside the steering rack can cause the system to apply power assist to one side without any steering wheel input, a condition known as 'memory steer'.