Why Your Stroller Pulls to One Side and How to Fix It

Start with the basics: check the tires

The most common reason a stroller drifts to one side is a tire that is not properly inflated. If one wheel is noticeably lower on air than the others, it creates an imbalance in rolling resistance. The underinflated wheel grips the ground differently and effectively acts as a brake, pulling the stroller toward that side with every push.

Many strollers use air-filled tires, especially on joggers and all-terrain models. A quick visual inspection and squeeze test can reveal obvious differences, but for accurate results use a pump with a built-in gauge. Check all wheels, not just the one that seems low. Also inspect the valve and the sidewall for signs of damage. If a tire repeatedly loses air, the inner tube may have a slow puncture.

If you are unsure about the recommended pressure for your stroller's tires, refer to the user manual that came with the product. The manufacturer specifies the correct range for the front and rear wheels. We cover this topic in more detail in our guide to stroller tire pressure, including how often to check and what signs of wear to look for.

Wheel alignment and axle issues

If the tires are properly inflated and the stroller still pulls, the next suspect is wheel alignment. A wheel that is not parallel to the direction of travel will scrub against the ground, creating drag and a steering pull. This can happen after a stroller is folded and unfolded many times, or after being knocked around in a car trunk.

Check the front swivel wheels first. They should rotate freely and sit perpendicular to the ground when locked straight. If a wheel looks visibly tilted in or out, or if it wobbles when you spin it, the issue is likely in the fork, the axle, or the bearing assembly. The rear wheels on most strollers are fixed and less prone to misalignment, but they can still shift if the axle is bent.

A bent axle is a more serious problem. If you have had a collision, dropped the stroller hard, or overloaded the frame beyond its intended capacity, the axle may have taken a set that cannot be corrected by adjustment. We explain how to identify axle damage in our article on bent axle signs and how to replace the wheel in our guide to replacing a stroller wheel.

Frame issues and a twisted chassis

If the tires and wheels check out, the cause may be in the frame itself. A stroller frame is designed to be symmetric, and the wheel positions are set by the manufacturer to track straight. If the frame is bent, twisted, or has a loose joint, the wheels will not maintain their intended alignment.

A common cause of frame twisting is improper folding. Forcing a stroller into its folded position when a latch is not fully released can apply uneven stress to the frame tubes. Over time, this can cause a subtle twist that makes the stroller pull. Another contributor is repeated heavy loading on one side, such as a hanging parent organizer that consistently holds a water bottle and other gear. The frame may not bend immediately, but it can gradually develop play in the joints.

Inspect the frame at each hinge and joint. Look for signs of bending, cracking, or excessive play. If a joint is loose, the fix may be as simple as tightening the screws or bolts. We cover this in our guide to tightening stroller screws and in our article on frame joint looseness. If you find a crack in the metal, stop using the stroller immediately and contact the manufacturer. A cracked frame is a safety hazard and is not repairable at home.

A simple diagnostic order to follow

Work through this sequence and you will identify the cause in most cases. First, inflate all tires to the recommended pressure and test push. Second, remove the front wheels and reattach them, making sure they click into place and the locking mechanism engages fully. Third, check the axle nuts and fasteners for tightness on all four wheels. Fourth, with the stroller empty, push it forward on a flat, smooth surface and watch the rear wheels from behind to see if they track straight.

If the wheels are all aligned and the frame looks true, the issue may be in how the stroller is loaded. An uneven load, such as a heavy diaper bag hanging from one handlebar, can cause the stroller to veer. Distribute the weight evenly across the storage basket rather than hanging items from one side. This is especially important with double strollers, where the weight of the children alone can bias the steering.

For jogging strollers, a pulling issue is often related to the fixed front wheel. If the front wheel is locked in the straight position and the pull persists on a flat, even surface, check the tracking adjustment if your model has one. Some joggers have a small adjustment screw on the front fork that fine-tunes the wheel angle. Do not loosen this unless you are certain the problem is in the wheel alignment, and follow the instructions in the manual. If adjustments and checks do not resolve the pull, the frame may be bent.

When to seek professional help or contact the manufacturer

Not every pull can be fixed at home. If you have checked the tires, cleaned and inspected the wheels, tightened the fasteners, and verified the frame, but the stroller still pulls, do not keep pushing it. A persistent pull can be a sign of a damaged component that is not safe to continue using.

Start by contacting the manufacturer. Strollers are consumer products and the company has a responsibility to provide support. If the stroller is still under warranty, they may send you a replacement part or advise on a repair center. Registration is required for all durable infant and toddler products so that manufacturers can contact consumers about recalls. If your stroller is registered, you will receive direct notification of any safety issues.

You can also search for recalls on Recalls.gov, the federal clearinghouse that aggregates recalls from six agencies including the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you suspect a specific defect, such as a wheel that detaches or a frame that is bending, file a report on SaferProducts.gov. The public database allows you to search for reports on the same model and lets you report your own experience.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for strollers, codified in 16 CFR part 1227, require that strollers meet the ASTM F833 standard, which includes performance tests for wheel and swivel assembly detachment and stability. A stroller that repeatedly pulls to one side after routine checks may not be complying with these requirements. In that case, do not attempt a structural repair at home. Replace the stroller and choose a model with a proven track record in the categories we recommend in best all-terrain strollers or best jogging strollers.

Preventing pulling issues in the future

Once your stroller pushes straight again, a little routine care will keep it that way. Check the tire pressure monthly, or before every long walk. Keep the wheel bearings clean and lubricated; a dry bearing adds resistance and can cause a wheel to drag. We have specific instructions for lubricating stroller wheels and for cleaning the bearings.

When folding or unfolding the stroller, follow the sequence in the manual every time. Do not force any joint that resists. Also, do not exceed the weight limit of the stroller or its storage basket. Overloading is one of the most common causes of axle and frame damage. Our article on stroller weight limits explains the difference between seat weight capacity and basket capacity.

If you own a jogging stroller, remove the front wheel before folding if that is how the design works, and avoid storing the stroller with the wheels under load for long periods. Consistent care will prevent the misalignment and frame stress that produce a persistent pull.

A note on safety while pushing

While you are out walking, remember that pushing a stroller requires your attention to the surroundings. The CDC notes that physical activity guidelines recommend children be active throughout the day, and a stroller walk is a great way to get that activity in. However, adjust the stroller so that it is easy to control, especially on slopes. A stroller that pulls to one side is harder to steer and can put you off balance.

Make sure your child is always properly strapped into the harness. If you need to adjust the harness while out, stop the stroller and park it on level ground. And if the pull is caused by a loaded basket, redistribute the weight before starting your walk rather than leaning into the handlebar to compensate. A straight-tracking stroller is easier to control and safer for everyone.

What to pick based on your situation

Questions

Can low tire pressure cause a stroller to pull to one side?

Yes. An underinflated tire has more rolling resistance and effectively brakes that side of the stroller. Check and inflate all tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure before looking at other causes.

How do I know if my stroller frame is bent?

Park the stroller on a level surface and look at the wheel positions from the front and rear. If one wheel is visibly tilted, or if the wheels do not track parallel to each other while you push, the frame may be twisted or bent. Also inspect the joints for cracks or excessive play, which indicate a damaged frame.

Should I keep using a stroller that pulls to one side?

No. A persistent pull can be a sign of a wheel or frame defect that is unsafe. Continue diagnosing, but if the issue is not resolved after basic checks, stop using the stroller and contact the manufacturer. Report issues to SaferProducts.gov if you suspect a defect.

What does the CPSC require for stroller safety?

Strollers sold in the US must comply with 16 CFR part 1227, which incorporates the ASTM F833 safety standard. This standard includes performance requirements for stability, parking brakes, restraint systems, and wheel and swivel assembly detachment. Compliance is required for the stroller to be certified for sale.

Can I fix a bent axle on my own?

Generally no. A bent axle is a structural part that cannot be safely straightened at home. You can remove the wheel and inspect the axle, but if it is bent you should replace it with a manufacturer-approved part or contact the manufacturer for service.

How can I prevent my stroller from pulling to one side?

Maintain the tires at the correct pressure, keep the bearings clean and lubricated, fold and unfold the stroller carefully, and do not exceed the weight limits. Regularly inspect the wheels and frame for signs of wear or damage.