Is your steering wheel shaking while you drive? Do your experience steering wheel difficulty when turning? What is the reason for vibration on a vehicle’s steering wheel or other problems? Is it safe for one to drive with a vibrating steering wheel?
If all these questions are wandering through your head and you’ve been seeking for answers, then you have made the right choice by picking this article.
We shall be discussing steering wheel issues, ways of fixing the wobbling steering wheel, reasons why the steering wheel wobbles while driving at a low speed, high speed and lots more.
Let’s begin.
Why is my Steering Wheel Shaking
If your steering wheel shakes too much, it could be a sign that the tie rod ends, wheel bearings, or ball joints are damaged. You can help a mechanic detect and resolve this problem, by taking note of when you experience the most shake while driving.
When your steering wheel is shaking, you should attend to it and find out the cause. For example, it could be because of your steering rack, worn suspension, bad brake calipers or bad brake rotors, misaligned wheels, unbalanced tires, et cetera.
When the steering wheel shakes, it can be discomforting, especially if you are approaching corners or driving at high speed. However, if the issue is consistent or intermittent, you should find out what is making it happen.
Common Causes of Steering Wheel Shakes
Here are the major causes of a wobbling steering wheel at high or low speeds, they are:
1. Unbalanced Tires
Unbalanced tires are the first reason why a steering wheel wobble. People who have changed to winter tires may have noticed some shake within the first 100 miles because the tires need more time to get to their standard shape.
When tires are placed on a rim set, they should be balanced to run correctly. For example, consider a wobbly bicycle wheel- a vehicle tire has similar problems on a finer scale, although it rotates faster, so its vibrations travel faster.
Thus a professional should carry out proper tire balancing needs using specialized and expensive tools. It will cost between $15 – $75 to do so.
Also Read: Steering Wheel Hard to Turn
2. Misaligned Wheels
Misalignment of wheels is also a reason why the steering wheel wobbles. A revolution has to be positioned well parallel to a car’s body and relative to the floor for proper alignment.
You may encounter worn suspension with wheel misalignment or having changed it; this is something you should avoid frequently doing, although it is essential.
Just like tire balancing, only a professional can correct misalignment; it is not the mechanic’s job that will DIY it.
3. Brake System
The Brake system depends on the metal disc, which is mounted on an axis to contain friction while the car slows down. Unfortunately, after some time, the rotor begins to warp, crack, chip and rust.
These imperfections make the brake pad have contact with the disc, not minding if brakes are applied.
The shaking and vibrations become pronounced when you try stepping on your brakes due to the uneven contact caused by the wrapping.
It would help if you replaced your brake rotors in pairs to ensure that the two sides of a vehicle’s brakes are even. However, you will spend about $50 for each rotor, and it is best to change your brake pads simultaneously; this will cost about $30 for a four-set.
4. Worn Suspension
The suspension is made of coils, arms, joints, links, and other parts that act together to ensure the vehicle is stable and you can maneuver while driving.
Cars with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive both have a CV- constant velocity joints. As a result, they can transfer power to wheels, not minding the angle; this is necessary because the front wheels are used for the steering.
A failing Constant velocity joint is marked by vibrations and rumbling noise when you turn your steering. The right CV joint shows signs while turning right, whereas the left CV joint rumbles while turning left.
Although, if the issue is severe, it will persist, not minding that you are driving straight. Ignoring it can make your wheel fall off.
Worn suspension, broken bushings, or control arm also makes the steering wheel wobble because the system has failed to suck in imperfections from the asphalt. Bad suspension makes other units wear out fast and causes impact control and safety issues.
5. Faulty Steering Rack
A steering wheel and steering rack are directly connected, which makes it a clear suspect. When the frame fails, the steering wheel shakes, drifts, or becomes unresponsive.
Apart from a steering rack, it is good to examine your power steering component. Recently, my steering wheel was shaking, and I realized that there was a notable quantity of leaking power steering fluid under the car. When pressure drops, turning a steering wheel eventually becomes very difficult.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Braking?
When the steering wheel starts vibrating while you are stopping or slowing the vehicle, it might mean that your brakes have an issue.
The brake discs may lose shape or wear out, meaning the shake results from brake pads pressing on an uneven surface. When this happens, you may encounter vibration from your brake pedal.
The functionality of your brake is essential; therefore, while braking, if you encounter a wobbling steering wheel, immediately take it for examination.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Driving at High Speeds?
One prevalent cause of wobbling steering wheel tires is that they are not in balance.
When this is so, you may encounter wobble while driving at low speeds, but vibrations occur more while driving at high speeds.
When the tires are not in balance and problems result from that, there are things that you can do about it; they are:
- Ensure that the tires are well-inflated. Flat tires create imbalance, and this might cause a wobbly steering wheel.
- Check the tire tread: When worn, you can notice flat spots in your front tires; it might be the reason for the wobble. You have the option of buying a new one or getting them rotated.
- Check bulges in your tires; this happens when your sidewall is spoilt. If there are any in your front wheels, change your tire immediately with the help of a specialist because bulges can cause a tire blowout.
When your tires seem promising, the connection coming from the steering wheel might have an issue. A steering wheel’s vibrations may result from high speed or damage to your ball joints, wheel bearings, and tie rod ends.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Driving at Low Speeds?
When vibrations occur while you drive at a low speed, you can link it to tire, wheel, brake, or suspension problems (though tire imbalance is most likely to lead to an issue at high speeds).
Ask your mechanic to examine the issue, then resolve it.
How to Fix a Shaking Steering Wheel
Most times, a mechanic has to solve the issue by making your steering wheel vibrate. However, to help one diagnose the problem, you can:
- Take note of when the vibrations start. For instance, when driving or braking at high speed.
- If you think the tire imbalance is causing the problem, ensure that you are entirely inflated, then check if the vibrations continue afterward.
- If yes, take the vehicle to your mechanic immediately and give the required information regarding the possible cause of the vibrations.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Braking?
When you realize that the steering wheel vibrates as you stop or slow the vehicle, it might mean there is a brake problem.
The brake discs might start wearing out or losing shape; this implies that your brake pads are clashing against the uneven surface, leading to vibrations. When this happens, you may see vibration from your brake pedal.
Your brakes must function effectively, so when you notice a problem, check it out immediately. Get roadside help from our United Kingdom’s most extensive fleet of mechanics. Purchase breakdown cover.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Driving at High Speeds?
One very common cause of wobbling steering wheel tires is that they are not in balance.
When this is so, you may encounter wobble while driving at low speeds, but vibrations occur more while driving at high speeds.
When the tires are not in balance and problems result from that, there are things that you can do about it; they are:
- Ensure that the tires are well-inflated. Flat tires create imbalance, and this might cause a wobbly steering wheel.
- Check the tire tread: When worn, you can notice flat spots in your front tires; it might be the reason for the wobble. You have the option of buying a new one or getting them rotated.
- Check bulges in your tires; this happens when your sidewall is spoilt. If there are any in your front wheels, change your tire immediately with the help of a specialist because bulges can cause a tire blowout.
When your tires seem promising, the connection coming from the steering wheel might have an issue. A steering wheel’s vibrations may result from high speed or damage to your ball joints, wheel bearings, and tie rod ends.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Driving at Low Speeds?
When vibrations occur while you drive at a low speed, you can link it to tire, wheel, brake, or suspension problems (though tire imbalance is most likely to lead to an issue at high speeds).
Ask your mechanic to examine the issue, then resolve it.
How to Fix a Shaking Steering Wheel
Most times, a mechanic has to solve the issue by making your steering wheel vibrate. However, to help one diagnose the problem, you can:
- Take note of when the vibrations start. For instance, when driving or braking at high speed.
- If you think the tire imbalance is causing the problem, ensure that you are completely inflated, then check if the vibrations continue afterward.
- If yes, take the vehicle to your mechanic immediately and give the required information regarding the possible cause of the vibrations.
Is It Safe to Drive With a Shaking Steering Wheel?
When the steering wheel shakes, it can signify an issue with the tires, brakes, or other essential vehicle parts. It can distract you while driving.
The wobbly steering wheel will not lead to the failure of MOT; it is the underlying cause (like brake problems) that may do so. Hence, you are to get the issue diagnosed and then fix it immediately so you can keep driving your car without harm.
Other Steering Wheel Problems
There is an alignment problem with the steering wheel. If your vehicle begins to drift to the right or left, or there is uneven wear in the tire, this may be an issue with the steering alignment or steering wheels.
Usually, this is caused when one drives over bumpy roads and portholes. Aligning wheels is necessary because it makes driving more accessible, and your tire will last long.
Steering wheel issues while turning.
Is the Steering Wheel Difficult to Turn?
We have some reasons why this can happen.
So many cars now have EPS- Electric Power Steering systems, though only a few have hydraulic systems.
The following are found in the EPS system:
- The steering wheel has a mechanical connection that functions as a backup for situations when one’s electronic component fails.
- Sensors that detect your steering column’s position and torque.
- Electric motor that aids with steering the car.
The car’s charging system or battery can affect the EPS. When there is a fault in the alternator or failure of the twelve-volt battery, EPS may shut down. The steering wheel may become difficult to turn when your EPS system fails, and the steering component fails.
The components that can make it difficult to turn the steering wheel vary between vehicles with hydraulic and EPS systems, but below are common reasons why the steering wheel becomes stiff or complex for one to ride it.
Problems With the Steering Rack
Wear or damage to the steering rack will make it hard to turn the wheel.
Damaged Serpentine Belt
One may notice that the wheel is too hard to turn when the car’s serpentine belt is worn out and becomes slack. You need to repair or replace this immediately.
Low-Power Steering Fluid
It is a typical reason for the heavy steering. It can result when there is a leak, which leads to a drop in your fluid levels. More fluid can be added to aid with the issue; a leak has to be repaired if it is what leads to the point. The leak can also make the MOT fail.
Faulty Power Steering Pump
When the pump has a problem, it might not produce enough pressure to accompany your steering; it will be noticed at a low speed.
Low Tire Pressure
Uneven or low tire pressure can cause problems with your steering. When pressure is very low on a side, it might make your steering pull to a side.
Also Read: Can You Use Power Steering Fluid as Brake Fluid?
Frequently Asked Questions- Steering Wheel Shaking
Is it safe to drive with a shaky steering wheel?
Generally, driving a car with a steering wheel shaking is a bad idea. If the problem is not a result of bad tires, then it is a failing brake, and this will result in engine damage and loss of vehicle control.
How do you fix a shaky steering wheel?
Wheel alignment often stops the wobble by ensuring your wheels are in the right/same direction. To know that there is a misalignment, check your tire tread. If your vehicle is not aligned correctly, the tires wear unevenly, and the inner track is worn.
Should I keep driving if my car is shaking?
The vehicle can vibrate a little while driving because of the crankshaft and transmission gear rotation. Hence, the vibrations do generally not disturb you when you are in transit. However, when the vibration becomes wild, take action. Luckily, most of the causes of a vibrating steering wheel are easily repaired.
Can alignment cause the steering wheel to shake?
You will often notice other issues, such as uneven tire wear, or a pulling sensation, to your right or left while driving if the car’s alignment is turned off. Having said that, when your alignment is turned off by force, it can make your car vibrate.
How much does it cost to fix a steering wheel shake?
There is a possibility that the bearing is the issue when the steering wheel shakes only when one turns. You can solve this problem by cleaning it, except it has been damaged, replacing it will cost about $430, this includes labor.
Why is my car shaking all of a sudden?
A defective or out-of-balance tire, worn driveline U-joint or bent wheel causes vibration. You might realize that the vehicle vibrates in down and up motion. One might feel the vibration through their beers, brake pedal, or steering wheel.