Did it ever happen that one day you sat in your car to leave for the office, and mid-ride, you realized the steering wheel was shaking? It usually comes off as a shock to everyone, but little do people know why it happens and how to fix it.
It’s okay to be clueless because I’m here to clear all your confusion about steering wheel shaking in this guide. Read through and put an end to the vibrations!
Steering Wheel Shaking Causes
Steering wheel shaking does not happen due to a sole issue. Instead, several things can go wrong and cause the steering wheel to shake.
For instance, it can originate from issues in alignment, tire balance, or problems with the suspension in general. Let’s see how each differs and the level of damage they can cause.
Completely Worn-Out Struts and Shocks
Vehicle motion is dampened during acceleration and braking by shock absorbers and struts, which are in continual motion. They put up more effort while traveling across rough terrain. However, the steering wheel may shake uncontrollably due to a damaged or leaky shock absorber.
Remedy: Replace worn-out hardware or simply look for the best complete strut assembly for maximum performance and safety in the long run.
Alignment
When your car is out of alignment, it is one of the most prevalent reasons for a shaky steering wheel. As a result of potholes and other road hazards, your vehicle’s suspension may be damaged, resulting in uneven tire contact with the surface. You can feel the front end wobble, especially when you are on the highway driving at high speed.
It is simple for a technician to do wheel alignments, which may extend the life of your tires as well. I’d highly suggest leaving this job to a professional.
Unbalanced Tires
Everyday wear and tear on tires contribute to imbalance. Tires may be heavier in some specific spots than others, leading to vibrations when driving at average speeds. That’s why additional weights are implemented after installing a new tire.
One thing is for sure, for your vehicle to run perfectly straight without any vibrations, you should have your tires perfectly balanced and properly inflated.
For automobiles with lighter suspensions, this trouble comes more often. Shocks, struts, and other steering components may be damaged if this problem is not resolved quickly.
If you thought for a second that this could be done by yourself, I would disappoint you by saying NO. It is inevitable to visit a shop.
The technician can easily do this with the help of a tire balancing machine and solve your shaky steering wheel problems once and for all. For proper maintenance, make sure to rotate your tires anywhere between 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
Issues with Suspension and Steering
Suspension and steering difficulties also have the potential to cause steer wheel shaking. This shaking could occur either due to a worn-out tie rod or ball joint. However, this issue mostly occurs in older cars. As a result, you could consider this if you have been driving your car for a long time.
The main issue with suspension occurs when the components become loose over time. As a result, various suspension parts can develop a play that can make your car vibrate at certain speeds. Usually, it is fine till 40 miles, but if you go above, the car vibrates. However, this is not the standard speed for steering wheel shaking. It can happen at all speeds depending on the root cause.
If the root cause is an issue with the suspension, I wouldn’t recommend you drive the car. Instead, take it for a professional inspection because sometimes the cause can pose a potential danger to your and the ride’s safety.
Play in the Suspension
A small bit of play or looseness in any one steering or suspension component may cause the whole system to become significantly sloppy. This may cause steering wheel shaking as well as compromise the vehicle’s control and stability. As a result, it’s critical to check the system for such irregularities.
First, check the visible parts, such as the upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings. It is most likely malfunctioning and should be replaced if there is any evidence of damage or excessive play.
Play in the Steering
Several wear spots might create a shaky steering wheel, regardless of the kind of steering system you have. It’s typical for tie rod ends to wear out and the mounting bushings and internal gears. Replace any steering components that are loose to avoid any further damage.
Problems with Brake Rotors
Problems with brake rotors can also cause steering wheel shaking. However, this type of problem causes shaking in the steering wheel, mostly when you are using the brakes.
Therefore, if your steering wheel shakes when you push the brakes, it could mean the brake rotors need a replacement. What happens is that as you keep using the brakes regularly, the rotors tend to lose shape, wear out and become warped.
Another thing to note is that while the steering shakes due to problems with brake rotors, the brake pedal also vibrates. As a result, since the brake is the only thing that can bring you to a safe stop, make sure you get these issues checked before things get out of hand, or should I say feet?
Even if you have recently installed new brakes, vibration in the steering and brake pedal is a serious concern. In this case, it could potentially be due to incorrectly installed rotors. As a result, brake pads are unable to clamp together, leading to inefficient braking and vibrations.
I wouldn’t recommend driving your vehicle while the brakes are an issue, no matter how new or good quality they are. Get it checked as soon as you can. Sometimes the problem is with the brake pads instead of the rotors. It can have similar symptoms. However, it is still dangerous in either case and must be amended on time.
What to Do When Your Steering Wheel Shakes
Now coming to how you can fix the steering wheel shakes, your go-to approach should be to take the vehicle for a thorough inspection. However, you might not immediately find the root cause of the issue. Unless it is a severe problem, in which case it will be evident to the professional doing the inspection.
How to Fix a Shaking Steering Wheel
Even though you cannot fix steering wheel shaking on your own, you can still do some things to help the mechanic. If you have already begun premature inspection on your own, it will save time and effort at the mechanic’s end to diagnose the issue.
Here is what you can do:
- Note down the instances of vibrations, such as while driving at high speeds or while braking.
- Check your tire pressure and get them fully inflated if out-of-balance tires seem the issue. Take it to the mechanic if shaking continues.
Provide as much correct detail as you can to the mechanic. Just like you shouldn’t hide anything about your health from the doctor, you shouldn’t hide anything about your ride and driving style from the mechanic.
Is It Safe to Drive With a Shaking Steering Wheel?
As long as you are not sure what exactly is causing the shaking, I wouldn’t recommend you drive the car. It is quite dangerous, especially if the issue is with the brakes, which can be extremely risky.
Moreover, the shaking steering wheel can also be a source of distraction while you are driving on a busy road. As a result, you shouldn’t risk driving the vehicle unless it is necessary. Even then, go at slow speeds and take extra caution throughout the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bad Struts Cause Vibration?
Yes, bad struts and shock absorbers can also cause vibration. Struts are part of the suspension system, and issues in the suspension system can lead to vibration in the steering wheel.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake at Low Speeds?
Steering wheel vibrations at low speeds occur when the suspension parts are loose. This issue can get worse if you keep driving with loose suspension parts such as tie rod ends, mounting hardware, bushings, and even a worn-out axle CV joint or wheel hub bearing.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Drive at High Speeds?
The most common reason for steering wheel vibrations at high speeds is usually the tires. The tires are either misaligned or need a proper wheel balancing for things to stop shaking. Shaking usually starts around 50-60 miles which are considered high speed.
Conclusion
A shaking steering wheel is most likely caused by an issue that’s only going to grow worse. Do something about your car’s shaking before it leads to more severe problems, whether you do it yourself or take it to a mechanic.
Tim Miller is a mechanic and car blogger from Denver, Colorado. He’s the Editor-in-Chief of obdadvisor.com, an automotive blog.
He has had over 10 years of experience in car repair and maintenance field. He has been writing articles to share his experiences and expertise. Some of his review articles about car parts and tools can be found on his website.
Check him out on Facebook and Twitter.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
