Why Your Steering Wheel Shakes: 6 Possible Causes
Don’t ignore a vibrating steering wheel. Here’s what it could mean for your safety and your car
When it comes to vehicle problems, few things feel as alarming as a steering wheel that suddenly starts shaking. Is it something serious? Should you pull over immediately? Or is it a minor issue that can wait until your next service visit?
The truth: Steering wheel vibration can be caused by several mechanical issues—some harmless, others that need immediate attention. Here are six common causes of steering wheel shake and what drivers should do about them.
Warped brake rotors
Notice the shaking when you press the brakes? Your brake rotors could be warped.
Brake rotors are the smooth, flat wheel discs that attach your wheel to the axle assembly and that brake calipers grip when you apply pressure to your brake pedal. As the calipers squeeze brake pads onto the spinning rotor to slow it, friction and heat are generated.
The result:
With use over time, and depending on how aggressively you drive, this heat buildup can warp the rotors, which leads to steering wheel shake.
What to do:
Although you can continue to drive on warped rotors, you should take your car in for service as soon as possible. Driving on warped rotors can lead to premature wear on delicate suspension components or uneven tire wear.
Sticking brake caliper
If the shaking happens while slowing down, a stuck brake caliper may be the culprit.
The result:
Calipers exposed to extreme amounts of dirt or debris buildup can latch onto your rotor and not let go. They can also be “grabby,” meaning they may suddenly apply pressure to your rotor even after you have taken your foot off the brake pedal.
What to do:
If you suspect a stuck caliper, have your mechanic inspect it immediately. A stuck caliper can make your vehicle unsafe to drive.
Flat-spotted tires
Hard braking or long periods of sitting can create flat spots on tires. Antilock brakes generally do an excellent job of preventing drivers from locking their wheels during abrupt stops, but the systems are not perfect.
The result:
Flat-spotted tires can be caused by skidding over asphalt, leading to a bumpy ride and shaky steering as the flat spot rolls along. Flat spots can also be caused if a vehicle sits parked for an extended period, warping the sidewalls and contact patch of the tire itself.
What to do:
Flat spots may wear out with normal driving, but severe ones may require tire replacement.
Wheels out of balance
If the shaking happens mostly at highway speeds, your wheels may be out of balance.
If you have ever experienced a washing machine with an uneven load on spin cycle, then you know the vibration that can result when something is spinning quickly while it is out of balance. The same physics apply to improperly balanced tires.
The result:
Wheels with uneven weight distribution can cause a wobble that turns into a vibration that is then felt in your steering wheel. You may only notice steering wheel shake at highway driving speeds and shaking that subsides as you slow down, but it depends on how out of balance your wheel is.
What to do:
A quick tire balancing service usually fixes the problem—and prevents premature tire wear.
Wheels out of alignment
Potholes, bumps, and everyday driving can throw off your wheel alignment.
Your vehicle’s suspension and steering assembly are finely tuned to keep your wheels running parallel to one another, meeting the asphalt evenly. As you accumulate miles over time and run over obstacles like potholes or bumps, your wheel alignment can be thrown out of whack.
The result:
Skewed alignment can cause your steering wheel to shake, uneven tire wear, and the car pulling to one side.
What to do:
As a rule of thumb, check alignment every 6,000 miles or during routine maintenance.
Worn suspension components
Suspension wear is one of the most common reasons steering wheels start shaking.
Over the course of thousands of miles of driving, components like ball joints, tie rods, and bushings naturally wear out.
The result:
Problems may start with an odd sound here or there, creaking noises, or even a difference in how your vehicle feels as it absorbs bumps in the road. Eventually, once the problem is bad enough, you may experience to steering wheel shake.
What to do:
Suspension issues should be looked at immediately inspected promptly since severe wear can affect vehicle safety.
If your steering wheel starts shaking, it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you something isn’t right. While some causes are minor, others can lead to unsafe driving conditions or costly repairs if ignored.
When in doubt, schedule a professional inspection to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly.