Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Driving? new for 2022

Many drivers experience a shaking steering wheel, especially when turning or braking.

This can be a very dangerous problem as it can cause the driver to lose control of the car.

So Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Driving? We have created a guide that explains the possible causes of this issue and how to fix it in this article. Let’s find out together!

Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Driving?

Been wondering why my steering wheel shakes and veers to the right if I let go, while driving. 3 of my tires were literally starting to separate, wires popping out and everything.

Source: https://twitter.com/

Why does my steering wheel shake while driving? Below are some common reasons:

Unbalanced tires

The steering wheel shaking is most often due to one of two reasons: either the tires are out of alignment or they’re unbalanced. If your vehicle’s tires fall into one of these categories, it’s likely that the incessant shaking feeling you experience comes from them.

If this is the case, you are less likely to notice it at slower speeds than when going fast. Tire shaking is more likely to begin when you’re traveling at 50 miles per hour or faster, though it may become less apparent again as you go higher.

The first thing to look for in this scenario is whether or not all of your tires are properly inflated. It will cause a lack of balance in the vehicle, limiting its ability to be steered correctly.

Making sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure is important, but you also need to check the tread. If the tread is wearing down unevenly, you might be able to rotate them. Or, you may have to get all new tires. Either way, it’s worth it to make sure your car drives safely and smoothly.

If the tires appear to be in excellent condition but the problem persists, it’s possible that it’s a problem with the connection between your wheels and your steering wheel. For example, an accident may have bent or otherwise damaged your axle, preventing the tires and steering wheel from cooperating properly through the drivetrain. If you experience sudden jerks in the steering wheel, this might be what you’re dealing with.

Finally, the actual wheels could be causing shaking as a result of poor steering wheel and tire connection. If your steering wheel is wobbly, it’s possible that the wheel bearings, tie rod ends, or ball joints are damaged. Keep track of when you’re experiencing the most shakiness while driving to assist a mechanic diagnose and fix this difficulty.

Brake Rotors Have Issues

If you feel vibrations in your steering wheel and brake pedal when braking, this could mean that your rotors are out of round. In other words, the rotors have started to wear out, lose their shape, and become warped. The brakes are an extremely important component of your vehicle since they allow you to stop safely. As soon as possible, take your car to a mechanic so they can check the brakes.

If you just got new brakes installed and your vehicle is still vibrating when you brake, then this is a sign of a serious problem. There’s a chance that the rotors weren’t installed properly in the first place. If the brake pads can’t clamp together properly, it will cause vibrations while braking. Take your car to an auto mechanic as soon as possible so they can figure out if the rotors need to be resurfaced, replaced or simply adjusted.

If the rotors are in good condition, then it’s likely that the problem is with the brake pads. If the vibration gets worse when you apply the brakes, it means that there is an issue somewhere in the braking system. The most likely culprits are the rotors and pads, but it’s important to investigate all parts of the system until you can identify and fix the problem.

Suspension Components Are Worn

A failing ball joint, tie rod, or both can cause shaking when driving. It’s also possible for suspension and alignment problems to produce movement in the vehicle. A bent or worn ball joint or tie rod is more common in older vehicles than new ones, so if you’ve been driving the same car for a while, this should be taken into account.

The suspension components can become loose and start to play, causing significant vibrations at higher speeds. If this sounds like the case with your vehicle, it’s best to cease driving it and bring it into a repair shop as soon as possible to avoid making the difficulties even worse.

Brake Caliper Sticking

Stuck brake calipers are an uncommon but problematic cause of steering wheel shaking. The brake calipers compress your brake pads as you slow or stop your car, lowering them each time. Even if it’s unusual, seized (also known as “sticky”) brake calipers might occur (and this is what we’re talking about). Seized brake calipers can lead to driving concerns such as front-end shake or tugging. You won’t notice a problem with warped rotors until you drive rather than when you apply pressure on the brakes.

As soon as you suspect a stuck brake caliper, take your car to see a mechanic. Sticking brake calipers can have many causes such as debris buildup or damaged hoses from wear and tear. However, if you act quickly, the mechanic will be able to diagnose and fix the problem before it does any serious damage.

Problems with Tire Alignment

The suspension system in your vehicle is designed to help the tires stay aligned with the road. However, over time things like bad roads and driving too fast can throw the alignment off, which causes the wheels to sit at a skewed angle. Even small alignment issues can cause shake or vibrations in your steering wheel.

Read more at Common causes of steering wheel shake at low speeds?

Symptoms of A Shaking Steering Wheel

Why my steering wheel shake when i drive? Now that you know some of the common causes of a shaking steering wheel, it is time to learn how to identify these issues. Pay attention to the following symptoms, as they can clue you in on the source of your steering wheel trouble.

Vibrations Only While Driving Over a Certain Speed

One way to narrow down the potential causes of your steering wheel shaking is by noticing when the vibrations occur. If your steering wheel only shakes or vibrates while driving over a certain speed, it is likely caused by an issue with your tires or wheels. As we mentioned earlier, this could be anything from unbalanced tires to bent rims.

Vibrations Only While Braking

If your steering wheel only shakes when you brake, it is likely caused by an issue with your brakes—such as warped rotors. However, it could also be caused by a sticking brake caliper (as we mentioned earlier). If the shaking or vibrations only occur while braking at high speeds, it is more likely that your issue is with your rotors.

Vibrations Occur Randomly or at Low Speeds

If your steering wheel vibrates randomly or at low speeds, it is likely caused by an issue with your vehicle’s suspension. As we mentioned, this could be anything from worn shocks to a broken spring. If the vibrations feel especially severe, it could also be caused by engine issues.

Vibrations Occur While Turning

If your steering wheel vibrates only while turning, it is likely caused by an issue with your power steering system. As we mentioned, this could be low power steering fluid or a worn power steering pump.

Shaking Only Appears on One Side

If the shaking or vibrations only appear on one side of your steering wheel, it is likely caused by an issue with that specific wheel. As we mentioned, this could be anything from an unbalanced tire to a bent rim.

Steering Wheel Shakes Severely

If your steering wheel shakes so severely that it is difficult to control your vehicle, you should pull over and call for help immediately. This could be caused by a broken axle or other serious issue.

How to Repair a Shaking Steering Wheel

In many situations, a mechanic will be required to resolve the issue that is causing the shaking steering wheel. You should:

1. Make a note of when you feel the vibrations (for example, while braking or going at high speeds).
2. If you suspect out-of-balance tires are the problem, make sure they’re fully inflated and observe whether the shaking persists after that.
3. If your vehicle begins to vibrate, contact a mechanic as soon as possible and supply them with information on when the tremors occur.

FAQs Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Driving