What issue could manifest as "dog tracking" in a vehicle?

Dog tracking is a term used to describe a condition where a vehicle does not travel in a straight line but instead seems to drift to one side. This phenomenon is typically caused by misalignment of the wheels. When the alignment is off, the wheels are not positioned correctly relative to each other and to the vehicle’s frame, leading to uneven tire wear and making the vehicle pull to one side.

In the case of dog tracking, the rear axle may be misaligned, which can cause the rear wheels to be out of line with the front wheels. As a result, the vehicle appears to track sideways rather than going straight down the road. This misalignment can stem from factors such as hitting a pothole, curbing the vehicle, or general wear on suspension components.

While worn shock absorbers, improper tire pressure, and worn control arm bushings can affect vehicle handling and ride quality, they are not direct causes of dog tracking. For instance, worn shock absorbers would lead to poor ride quality and increased body sway, but would not necessarily result in the distinct sideways movement associated with dog tracking. Similarly, improper tire pressure affects tire wear and handling but doesn’t specifically cause the tracking issue. Worn control arm bushings can lead to play