A vehicle has a pulling issue after aligning. What component is likely malfunctioning?

When a vehicle exhibits a pulling issue after an alignment, a malfunctioning steering gear is a likely culprit. The steering gear is responsible for translating the movement of the steering wheel into the motion of the wheels. If the steering gear is not functioning correctly, it can lead to an uneven distribution of steering input, causing the vehicle to pull to one side.

For instance, if there is excessive play or wear in the steering gear, it may not properly align the wheels as intended, resulting in misalignment in real-world driving conditions. This misalignment, even after a proper alignment service, can cause the car to drift or pull to one side.

While wheel bearings and the power steering pump could also influence handling, they are less directly related to alignment issues. Wheel bearings primarily impact wheel rotation and noise, and a faulty power steering pump would typically cause difficulty in steering rather than a consistent pulling issue post-alignment. Likewise, the alignment settings would be checked and adjusted during the alignment process, so if it was performed correctly, they would not be the source of the problem. Understanding this helps in diagnosing and addressing alignment-related issues effectively.