Everyone wants a smooth car driving experience. But a smooth driving experience can be marred by a shaky car steering wheel. If you have also experienced shaking in your car’s steering wheel while driving, you should contact a professional, as shaking in the steering wheel can indicate serious underlying issues. Diagnosing the cause of a shaking or vibrating car steering wheel is essential to ensure safety on the road. Various factors, such as unbalanced tires and worn-out suspension components, can cause steering wheel shaking. Here are some common suspension problems to check if your car’s steering wheel is shaking while driving:
Car Steering Wheel is Shaking? Check Out These Points Fast:
1. Misaligned or unbalanced tires
The most common suspension problem to consider in case of car steering wheel shaking is misaligned or unbalanced tires. If your car wheels are unbalanced or not properly aligned, they can cause vibrations that increase when driving at a higher speed. It can also cause your steering wheel to vibrate or shake while you are driving your car.
How to fix
- Visit a professional to balance your car tires
- Consider opting for wheel alignment services to align misaligned tires.
- Rotate your tires regularly to ensure even wear and tear.
2. Suspension or steering system issues
Another common problem to check is an issue in the vehicle’s steering or suspension system. Sometimes, worn-out control arms, ball joints, and tie rods can make your car’s steering wheel shake or shudder. Do not ignore these issues, as they can lead to more hazards. Also, maintaining the suspension and steering system is essential for a smooth riding experience.
How to fix
- Regularly check suspension components for wear and tear.
- Replace components at regular intervals to ensure efficient performance.
- Maintain proper alignment for better vehicle stability.
3. Warped or worn brake rotors
If you experience vibration in the car steering wheel while pressing the brake, you should check for problems in the brake rotors. A warped or worn brake rotor can cause the car steering wheel to shake. Brake rotors develop uneven surfaces over time. This is mainly because of wear and heat. That is why you experience steering wheel shaking while braking
How to fix
- Check for warped brake rotors and consult a professional to resurface or replace them if necessary.
- Worn-out brake pads can also cause steering wheel vibration. That is why it is important to check for worn brake pads.
- Avoid sudden braking, especially when driving at a higher speed, to reduce rotor wear.
4. Damaged or bent wheels
Another common problem to check if your car steering wheel is shaking is bent or damaged car wheels. A dent in the rim of a wheel can affect its rotation and cause vibration during driving. A bend in the wheel rim or a damaged wheel can cause steering wheel vibration. The steering wheel vibration can intensify, especially when your vehicle hits a curb or a pothole.
How to fix
- Take professional help to inspect bent or damaged car wheels.
- If the damage cannot be repaired, the wheel should be replaced.
- Do not drive harshly on rough roads to avoid car wheel damage.
5. Faulty CV joints or Axles
Faulty axles or constant velocity joints are some other problems one must check in case of a car steering wheel shaking. A worn CV joints cause a grinding noise while driving. Damaged axles can cause vibration in the vehicle, including the steering wheel. When these two issues occur together, they can trigger a shaking steering wheel.
How to fix
- Take professional help to replace damaged or worn-out axles.
- Get a professional to check cracks and leaks in the CV joints.
- Avoid premature CV joint wear by regularly lubricating them.
6. Issues with wheel bearings
One should also check for issues with wheel bearings if the car steering wheel shakes while driving. Bearings are responsible for smooth wheel rotation. Damaged or worn wheel bearings can lead to the car steering wheel shaking, especially when turning. Addressing this issue can resolve car steering wheel shaking while driving.
How to fix
- Get professional help to inspect wheel bearings and also consider signs of wear, noise, or looseness.
- Opt for regular vehicle maintenance services to increase the lifespan of bearings.
- Consider replacing damaged or faulty bearings for better handling.
7. Tire pressure imbalances
Uneven tire pressure can cause balance issues for your vehicle. Also, this sends vibration in the steering. If such issues are left untreated, they can cause a rough driving experience. It also increases the chances of accidents.
How to fix
- Inspect tires for puncture, uneven wear, or damage, as they can indicate underlying issues.
- Regularly check tire pressure and adjust if needed.
- Maintain consistent tire pressure with nitrogen inflation.
8. Sticking brake caliper
A caliper creates constant pressure on the brake rotor when it fails to properly release pressure. This is when a sticking brake caliper occurs. A sticking brake caliper causes a buildup of excessive heat, which results in vibration in the car steering wheel. It can cause premature brake wear and should be addressed at the earliest.
How to fix
- Take professional help to inspect the brake caliper for seizing or sticking.
- Regular maintenance of the braking system can ensure optimal performance by reducing the buildup of debris in the caliper.
- Service faulty calipers and replace them if needed for optimal performance.
Conclusion
A shaking car steering wheel is more serious than the annoying car driving experience one has. This can often indicate various underlying issues that compromise your car’s performance as well as your safety. It can also indicate a future steering breakdown. Thus, ignoring shaky steering can lead to costly repairs and increase the chances of accidents. Technohead can bring you quality services for shaking the car steering wheel and other car problems efficiently.