3 Common Causes for a Shaky Steering Wheel
No driver likes when their steering wheel starts to shake. It’s a sure sign that something is wrong with your car, and it can make driving unnecessarily stressful and even scary.
If the roads are slippery and the ride is still awkward, the car itself may be to blame, but waiting for the problem to resolve on its own will only make the situation worse. So if you notice your steering wheel is shaking, we highly recommend that you address it as soon as possible.
There are several possible causes for a shuddering steering wheel, some of which may surprise you. Depending on how your car shakes, it may give your auto mechanic some clues on how to fix the problem.
Once you notice the problem, take note of when it gets worse. For example, is it worse at high or low speeds? Does it get worse when you apply the brakes? All of this information can help your mechanic pinpoint the cause of your steering wheel shudder.
1) Tire imbalance
This is the most obvious and common reason for steering wheel shudder. If your tires are misaligned or out of balance, the tire wobble can travel throughout the vehicle and be felt in the steering wheel.
If this is the problem, you probably won’t notice the shudder as much at slower speeds as you would at higher speeds. The shudder caused by tire imbalance may start to occur when you’re driving above about 80 mph, but may become less noticeable again at higher speeds.
The first thing you should check in this situation is whether all your tires are properly inflated. A flat tire or tires can cause imbalance and affect your ability to steer your vehicle properly.
Once all your tires are properly inflated, the next step is to check the tire tread. If your tires are wearing unevenly, you may be able to have them replaced or pay for all new tires. Either way, it’s worth it to make your car drive smoother and safer.
If the tire itself seems fine but the problem persists, the problem may be somewhere between the tire itself and the steering wheel. For example, an axle may have been bent or damaged in an accident, affecting the communication between the tires and steering wheel through the drivetrain. If you suddenly notice your steering wheel jerking, this could be the problem.
Finally, the source of the shudder caused by poor control between the steering wheel and the tires could be in the wheel itself. If your steering wheel shudders excessively, you may have damaged wheel bearings, tie rod ends, or ball joints. Take note of when you feel the most shudder while driving so a mechanic can diagnose and fix this problem. Is the shaking worse when cornering or going straight?
2) Brake disc problem
If your steering wheel shakes a lot when you apply the brakes, it could mean that your discs are no longer round. In other words, they have worn down, lost their shape and are starting to warp. In this case, you will also feel vibrations from the brake pedal when you press it with your foot.
Brakes are a very important part of bringing your car to a safe stop. Therefore, it is important to have this problem investigated as soon as possible. Even if you just installed new brakes, vibrations when braking are a sign of a serious problem.
The rotors may not be installed properly and the brake pads may not be able to hold properly, causing the vehicle to vibrate. Take your vehicle to an auto repair shop as soon as possible.
Alternatively, there could be a problem with the brake pads. If the rotors are still in good condition, take a look at the pads themselves. If the vibration gets worse when you apply the brakes, you almost certainly have a problem somewhere in your braking system. The rotors and brake pads are the most likely culprits, but it’s important to inspect the entire system until you can identify and fix the problem.
3) Worn suspension components
Unlike tire or brake rotor issues, suspension and alignment issues can also cause vibration while driving. Vibrations caused by worn ball joints and tie rods are more common in older vehicles than newer ones, so they’re something to consider especially if you’ve been driving the same car for a while.
Basically, you’ll notice some pretty strong vibrations if you drive your car faster than 45 mph because suspension components can loosen and create play. If this is the case with your vehicle, it’s best to stop driving and take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible to avoid making the problem worse.
How to Diagnose a Shaking Steering Wheel
While the three causes of a shaky steering wheel listed above are the most common, they’re not the only reasons you could be experiencing this problem. There are a whole range of engine problems that can shake the entire vehicle, but you may just be noticing the shake through the steering wheel.
These problems could be with the spark, air introduction, or fuel delivery systems, among other things. If you’ve read the list above and still aren’t sure why your steering wheel is shaking, it’s a good idea to take your car to a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
What to Do When Your Steering Wheel Shakes
The best exact course of action will depend on the specific problem, but there’s one general thing you should always do when your steering wheel starts shaking: seek immediate help.
The symptoms you’re noticing could be signs of a severe problem that threatens the longevity or safety of your vehicle. Take it to a qualified car mechanic so they can tell you what’s going wrong and what you need to do to fix it.