If you’re anything like me, you want your car to run smoothly without any issues. That’s why it’s a nightmare when your steering wheel starts shaking. It makes you lose confidence in your car’s safety, and driving to even simple places like the local farmers market feels risky. If you notice your steering wheel shaking at high speeds or when you brake, you’re probably wondering what’s going on and what you should do about it.
Most of the time, a shaky steering wheel is due to unbalanced or misaligned wheels, but there could be other reasons as well. It goes without saying that it’s important to take action as soon as possible. There are several potential causes for a shaking steering wheel, and some of them might surprise you. Read on for our guide to figuring out what’s causing your shaky steering wheel and what you can do about it.
Common Reasons Why Your Steering Wheel Might Be Shaking
We have taken it upon ourselves to help you out with understanding and fixing most issues of your car from a leaking exhaust to when your car would crank but not start. If your steering wheel’s shaking, there are several possible culprits. Here’s a rundown of the most common causes, with a bit more detail to help you understand what’s going on:
Misaligned Wheels:
If your wheels aren’t aligned properly, it can throw off your car’s stance, causing shaking. This often happens when you drive over potholes, railroad tracks, or rough terrain too quickly. To avoid this, take it slow on bumpy roads. Regularly getting your alignment checked can prevent these issues from cropping up.
Unbalanced Wheels and Tire Rotation:
When the weight of your tires isn’t evenly distributed, you’ll feel vibrations, especially at higher speeds. This is often due to uneven tire wear or after installing new tires. Regular tire balancing and rotating your tires every other oil change can help prevent this. Tire rotation ensures that all tires wear evenly, extending their lifespan and maintaining a smooth ride. A common rotation pattern is moving the rear tires to the front and the front tires to the opposite rear side.
Suspension Problems: If you’ve recently hit a curb or a big pothole, you might have warped your suspension. Symptoms include your car drifting to one side when you’re driving straight. Getting your suspension checked and repaired as needed will help maintain vehicle stability and handling.
Brake Issues:
If your steering wheel shakes when you brake, it could be due to worn brake pads or warped rotors. This problem is most noticeable when slowing down from higher speeds.
- Brake Caliper Sticking: A sticking brake caliper can also create a shaking sensation in the steering wheel. This usually happens because of a lack of lubrication or a buildup of dirt and debris. Keeping your brakes clean and properly maintained can help prevent caliper sticking. Fixing brake issues is crucial for safety and can cost up to $300 per axle, but it’s well worth the peace of mind.
Bad Bearings:
Bearings need proper lubrication to function smoothly. If they’re not, they’ll cause friction and vibrations, especially when you turn the steering wheel. Sometimes, a simple cleaning can fix this issue, but if the bearings are damaged, replacing them can cost up to $430.
Tire Pressure:
Believe it or not, incorrect tire pressure can cause steering wheel vibrations. Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect your car’s balance and handling. Each vehicle has a recommended tire pressure, usually found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps ensure a smooth ride and optimal tire wear.
Wheel Bearings and Axle Issues:
Damaged wheel bearings or a bent axle can cause vibrations, especially noticeable at certain speeds or while turning. Regular inspections can catch these issues early before they lead to more severe problems.
Brake Rotor Issues:
Brake rotors can become warped over time due to excessive heat and wear. This warping causes a noticeable shake in the steering wheel, especially when you apply the brakes. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of brake components can prevent this.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine mounts can cause the engine to move excessively, leading to vibrations felt through the steering wheel. Replacing worn mounts will keep the engine secure and reduce vibrations.
Drivetrain Components:
Problems with the drivetrain, such as issues with the drive shaft or U-joints, can cause vibrations that may be transmitted to the steering wheel. Regular maintenance and inspections of drivetrain components can help catch these issues early.
Steering Stabilizer Issues:
If your vehicle has a steering stabilizer, make sure it’s in good condition. The steering stabilizer dampens small movements in your steering system, preventing them from turning into bigger, uncontrolled shakes. Check for leaks and ensure the stabilizer is properly mounted and functioning.
Worn Track Bar Bushings and Tie-Rod Ends:
In solid-axle vehicles like Jeeps, worn track bar bushings and sloppy tie-rod ends can cause steering wheel vibrations. These components help maintain the alignment and stability of your steering system. Regular checks and timely replacements can prevent unwanted shaking.
By addressing these issues, you can keep your steering wheel steady and your driving experience smooth.
How To Fix The Steering Wheel Shaking Issue
Here are the fixes for each possible culprit for steering wheel shaking:
Misaligned Wheels: Alignment specs are crucial here. A mechanic will use a wheel alignment machine to measure and adjust caster, camber, and toe. Caster affects steering stability, camber is the inward or outward tilt of the tire, and toe is the angle of the tires relative to each other when viewed from the front. Specific alignment angles are recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer and can significantly impact vibration.
Unbalanced Wheels and Tire Rotation: Balancing uses a machine that spins the wheel and identifies weight imbalances. Small weights are then added on the inner or outer rim to counteract these imbalances and achieve uniform weight distribution. Tire rotation patterns like front-to-back with opposite side swaps help ensure even wear across the tread, minimizing future imbalance issues.
Suspension Problems: Worn suspension components like ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arms can cause shaking. A mechanic will inspect for play or looseness in these joints and replace those exceeding specified tolerances. In some cases, worn shock absorbers or struts can also contribute to shaking, requiring replacement to restore proper damping.
Brake Issues: Worn brake pads can cause vibrations, especially when nearing replacement time. Warped brake rotors create a pulsing sensation in the steering wheel during braking due to uneven contact with the pads. Resurfacing or replacing rotors along with new pads is usually necessary.
Brake Caliper Sticking: Sticking calipers can cause uneven braking pressure on one side, leading to shaking. A mechanic will clean and lubricate the caliper slide pins and pistons to ensure smooth movement. In some cases, a caliper rebuild or replacement may be needed.
Bad Bearings: Failing wheel bearings will typically generate a growling noise along with vibrations. These bearings allow the wheels to spin freely with minimal friction. Replacing the bearings is necessary to restore proper operation and eliminate noise and shaking.
Tire Pressure: Incorrect tire pressure can cause a vibration due to the tire’s abnormal shape. Use a reliable pressure gauge to inflate tires to the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) specified on the vehicle placard or owner’s manual. Don’t forget the spare tire!
Wheel Bearings and Axle Issues: Similar to bad bearings, a bent axle can cause vibrations due to its inability to spin true. A bent axle may be caused by a severe impact and often requires replacement. Worn wheel bearings can also contribute to these vibrations if they allow the axle to move laterally.
Rotor Issues: Overheating from excessive braking or worn pads can cause rotors to warp. When replacing rotors, ensure they match the specifications for your vehicle model and year. Some rotors can be resurfaced if the warping is minor, but significant warping usually necessitates replacement.
Engine Mounts: Engine mounts isolate engine vibrations from the chassis. Worn mounts allow excessive engine movement, which can be felt through the steering wheel. Replacing the engine mounts according to manufacturer specifications is necessary to restore proper isolation and eliminate vibrations.
Drivetrain Components: Drivetrain issues like a worn universal joint (U-joint) or driveshaft imbalance can manifest as vibrations at certain speeds. A mechanic will inspect these components for signs of wear or damage and recommend repairs or replacements.
Steering Stabilizer Issues (if equipped): The steering stabilizer is a damper that reduces minor shaking in the steering system. A faulty stabilizer won’t prevent vibrations entirely but can worsen them. Inspecting for leaks and loose connections and replacing a worn-out stabilizer can help regain steering control and reduce shaking.
Worn Track Bar Bushings and Tie-Rod Ends (for solid-axle vehicles): Solid-axle vehicles rely on track bar bushings and tie-rod ends to maintain proper axle alignment. Worn bushings or tie-rod ends can cause the axle to move laterally, leading to vibrations. Replacing these components with high-quality parts is essential for proper steering control and eliminating vibrations.
Remember, some of these fixes require specialized tools and knowledge. If you’re not comfortable performing the repairs yourself, consulting a qualified mechanic is always recommended to ensure a safe and proper repair.
