Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking? Common Causes and How to Fix Them
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As a car owner, you know issues can pop up out of nowhere. One common issue is a shaking steering wheel.
While the shake can be frightening, don't automatically jump into panic mode, yelling, "Why is my steering wheel shaking?" The shaking can stem from a minor problem or something more troubling. Before shaking yourself, it's important to understand the problem and diagnose it.
Understanding the Problem of a Shaking Steering Wheel
Steering wheels are typically stable components. They are supposed to operate with minimal vibration and effort. However, steering wheel vibrations can occur when something is wrong with a vehicle's drivetrain — the group of parts responsible for the movement of wheels and the automobile's power.
The vibrations can be subtle and sporadic, appearing only during braking or turning, or they can be violent and consistent, occurring when you're accelerating or maintaining high speeds. Undoubtedly, your steering wheel shaking while driving is unnerving, and it should motivate you to turn into the nearest service center parking lot.
To understand the potential costs of a repair or see if you can fix it yourself, explore the possible causes of such shaking.
Common Causes of a Shaking Steering Wheel
Diagnosing a shaking steering wheel means understanding the possible causes. While everything from bad wheel bearings to a worn tire tread to bad shock absorbers might be the culprit, four causes are most likely.
1. Unbalanced Tires
Unbalanced tires can cause your steering wheel to shake. The uneven weight distribution creates vibrations as the tires spin, which transfer to other steering components, including the drive shaft and steering column. Essentially, the shaking results from the inconsistent applied force to the road surface.
2. Misaligned Wheels
As with unbalanced tires, misaligned wheels can cause uneven contact with the road, resulting in vibrations. The difference is that instead of uneven weight distribution, the misaligned wheels don't hit the road at the same angle.
Misalignment may affect more than steering wheel vibration; it can also put additional stress on the suspension. This stress exacerbates the problem, leading to violent vibrations.
3. Worn Brake Rotors
Worn brake rotors can warp or wear down unevenly, causing your steering wheel to vibrate. The steering and brake issues result from inconsistent contact between the brake pads and rotor surfaces.
The potential warping of the rotors from excessive braking or heat exposure means contact between the pads and the rotors only occurs in specific spots as the wheel rotates. The occasional contact creates a sort of predictable, pulsating force.
4. Suspension Issues
Suspension problems are another potential cause of why your steering wheel is shaking. Whether it's your front or rear suspension, a worn system interferes with the smooth rolling of the tires, causing uneven contact with the ground. The uneven contact, again, causes vibration through the steering column, making the wheel shake.
How To Diagnose Steering Wheel Shaking: When Does It Happen?
The best way to diagnose steering wheel shaking is by taking note of when it happens. For example, if the shaking occurs when braking, it typically points to a problem in your car's brake system, such as worn rotors.
If the steering wheel shakes at high speeds, it likely stems from unbalanced wheels, uneven tire wear, or incorrect tire pressure. It can also be a sign of bad bearings or worn-out suspension components.
Finally, if your steering wheel starts to shake when turning, it usually indicates a problem with the bearings. However, it can also be caused by misaligned wheels.
Steps To Fix Steering Wheel Shaking: DIY vs. Professional Help
Depending on why your steering wheel is shaking, you can opt for a DIY or professional repair. DIY options should be limited to checking and balancing your tires. The steps for DIY tire checks include:
- Tire pressure check
- Tire tread inspection
- Tire rotation
If you don't believe your problem involves the tires and expect issues with the suspension or rotors instead, schedule a service appointment. Mechanics are typically necessary for repairing warped rotors, bearing issues, and some wheel alignment problems.
It's important to remember that most automotive work requires specialized tools that most people don't have in their garages. Also, without adequate experience and automotive knowledge, DIY repairs can cost you more in time and money than a professional repair.
You'll also need to consider your auto insurance. If you want your policy to cover repairs, you'll likely need to bring your car to a professional.
Preventing Steering Wheel Shaking: Importance of Regular Maintenance
If you want to avoid asking why your steering wheel is shaking, focus on regular maintenance. Routine maintenance is about more than oil changes and fluid checks. It's about catching minor problems before they worsen.
By performing regular maintenance, you increase the odds of finding and addressing issues with tires, wheel alignment, brakes, and suspension components before they deteriorate. Ultimately, regular maintenance ensures a smooth driving experience.
How Ignoring a Shaking Steering Wheel Can Lead to Bigger Problems
Ignoring your shaking steering wheel is a mistake, a potentially costly one. Most issues that cause steering wheel vibrations are progressive, meaning they worsen over time. So if the problem stems from a damaged braking system or suspension components, you can expect a worsening of your vehicle's handling and stability. Such developing problems can even compromise your safety on the road.
Don't ignore the problem. Stay safe and fix your car.
Get Your Car Insured Today: Protect Your Vehicle From Unexpected Costs
If you're asking yourself why your steering wheel is shaking, it's time to take your car in for a diagnostic. If you've been avoiding the inevitable because of costs, a comprehensive insurance policy should cover some of the repair expenses. Don't have a decent policy? Check out EverQuote and compare quotes from some of the best insurers in your area.