2001 santafe awd pulling to side occasionally

Winter has arrived and i notice recently the steering wheel feels like it is
being pulled to the side usually left.
I never noticed this until road conditions have become slippery,and snowy.
This was never a problem before.
only thing different I have 1 newer tire on the back and 3 older tires on
the rest of the vehicle,the tread pattern is the same
build up of snow and ice under vehicle affecting a sensor maybe?
combo of 3 older tires and 1 new affecting awd?
thanks for all responses

zenox

 

Even without AWD, it is never recommended to replace one tie on an axel.

 

Just to clarify,I have not replaced a tie,just a tire,
all pressures are good.
tks
zenox

 

But one tire is a different circumference than all the others.

 

Edwin,
Its the full size spare,probably 60% more tread than the other three,and its
on the back,figure this could affect the steering?My first awd vehicle,so
not sure.
tks
z

 

Yes, it can as the back end moves around, especially on an AWD. Radial
tires are more likely to cause problems if mixed than belted tires were
years ago. If the tire is very new, get another to match it on the same
axle. Rotate the tires with all five to avoid this in the future.

In the case of my Buick, the tire pressure sensors are related to
circumference of the tires. It detects that one side takes more revolutions
per mile than the other and triggers the alarm. Your AWD system may work in
a similar fashion. Things like this can affect traction control and
stability control too, I'm told.

 

Thanks Ed,Soon as it warms up(-32c tonight)
I will see what I can do.
regards
z

 

Took it for a drive tonight and noticed hesitation in the steering when
making a turn.
i mean , turn steering wheel and front wheels are slower to react to
steering wheel motions.
power steering fluid level is good.
z