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2017 Pilot EX-L: Car Pulls to the Right & Uneven Tire Wear

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Kevin B. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:44 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L

Hello Honda forum, I own a 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L with about 75,000 miles. For the past few weeks, I've noticed that the car consistently pulls to the right when I'm driving straight. If I let go of the steering wheel for even a second, it drifts pretty quickly.

I also recently noticed that my front right tire seems to be wearing down much faster on the outer edge compared to the other tires. I had the tires rotated about 10,000 miles ago, and they looked fine then. I've checked the tire pressure, and it's correct in all four tires.

Could this be an alignment issue, or something more serious with the suspension? What should I be looking for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:44 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The symptoms you're describing—a consistent pull to one side and uneven tire wear, specifically on the outer edge of a front tire—are classic indicators of an alignment issue or a problem with your suspension components. This is a common concern for vehicles with higher mileage.

Possible Causes:

  1. Wheel Alignment: This is the most likely culprit. If your vehicle's wheels are not properly aligned (camber, caster, or toe settings are off), it will cause the car to pull and lead to uneven tire wear. Hitting potholes or curbs can knock an alignment out of spec.
  2. Worn Suspension Components: Worn or damaged parts like control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, or even a weak spring/strut on one side can affect the vehicle's geometry, leading to a pull and uneven wear. These components allow excessive play, preventing the wheels from holding their proper alignment.
  3. Tire Issues: While you checked pressure, a damaged tire (e.g., internal belt separation) can sometimes cause a pull. You could try rotating the front tires side-to-side to see if the pull changes direction, which would point to a tire issue.
  4. Brake Drag: A sticking brake caliper on one side can cause a slight drag, leading to a pull. However, this usually comes with other symptoms like heat from the wheel or a burning smell.

What to Do:

  1. Professional Inspection: The first and most important step is to have a reputable shop perform a thorough suspension inspection and a four-wheel alignment check. They will be able to identify if any components are worn out and then correct the alignment.
  2. Component Check: The mechanic should check for play in all steering and suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings, wheel bearings) to ensure they are in good condition before performing an alignment. Replacing worn parts before alignment is crucial, as a new alignment on worn parts won't last.
  3. Tire Rotation/Inspection: If the alignment is found to be good, consider swapping the front tires to see if the pull changes. This helps rule out a tire-specific issue.

When to See a Shop:

  • As soon as possible. Driving with a vehicle that pulls and has uneven tire wear is not only uncomfortable but also unsafe. It compromises handling, especially in emergency maneuvers, and significantly shortens the lifespan of your tires, leading to increased operating costs. There are no specific OBD codes for mechanical alignment issues, so a physical inspection and alignment rack are necessary.
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