What Causes a Shaking Steering Wheel? Wheel and tire problems are some of the most common causes for a shaking steering wheel,but suspension issues and faulty brakes might also be to blame. The first thing drivers should do when they notice shaking is to pay attention to when it happens Car Repair Tool. Vibrations during acceleration or when traveling at high speeds most often indicate a problem with the vehicle's wheels,while trouble when slowing down is more often due to brakes. A number of suspension issues and imbalances can also contribute,particularly if the vehicle in question is over ten years old. Bent Wheels Mechanics investigating shaking steering wheels usually start by looking at the vehicle's wheels. Cars and trucks depend on a complex system of working parts for stability,but the four tires are the backbone of that system.Other Tire Trouble Sometimes the problem is as simple as a flat tire,and in these cases minor shaking is one of the first things people notice when they start to drive. The shaking is often accompanied by violent vibrations all over the car that get worse as driving progresses. Soft or bulged tires often bring about similar reactions. In the case of radial tires,a broken belt may be to blame. Broken belts can cause the tire tread to take on an S-shaped form or simply to bulge out in the tread line; either issue will cause the steering wheel to shake and wobble OBD2 Scanner. Simple tire imbalance can also be a cause. Most mechanics recommend that motorists have their tires rotated,or balanced,every few thousand miles; in part this is to promote even wear,but it is also to maintain equilibrium in the car as a whole. If one side or quadrant of the car has seen excessive or disproportionate wear,the steering column will sometimes shake as a consequence.This is most commonly the case when there are lose screws or twisted wires in the connection between car and steering wheel. People with these sorts of problems often notice the shaking most when temperatures are very cold; frozen screws and sockets don't always have the same friction as they do when thawed,which can make sounds and vibrations seem all the more pronounced. Getting Help It's usually a good idea for motorists to get a mechanic's opinion the moment their steering wheel starts to shake. Paying careful attention is critical,too. The more a driver can recall about the circumstances of the shaking,the easier it will usually be to get a diagnosis and order repairs. Some problems will be latent for a little while which can buy a person some time,but others are more time sensitive. Flat tires,for instance,usually need to be addressed right away,and serious problems with suspension or brakes can cause accidents or leave drivers stranded.
Related Links