Whether your vehicle is new or old and adequately maintained, it is meant to drive smooth and steady. However, at one point or another, people can experience steering wheel vibrations. Steering wheel shakiness often indicates that there's a problem and some part needs to be replaced.
Common Causes for Steering Wheel Vibration
Your steering wheel is connected to both your car and the road, which is why your steering wheel is the first to show warning signs. The top reasons for an unstable wheel while driving is:
- Tires – As you may know, the steering wheel is used to direct the wheels. When tires are unbalanced, you will feel it in the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds than lower ones. The inflation of the tires can also affect your drive. For instance, a deflated tire can cause a steering wheel to shake due to the lack of air and can cause a blowout too. Furthermore, misaligned wheels can also produce vibrations.
- Wheel – Another common culprit could be the wheels in general. While wheel bearings can last you a very long time, sometimes they wear out or become damaged. Additionally, tie rods and ball joints can become the issue as well. If your vehicle only shakes during turns, your tie rods might be at fault. If it only feels uneasy while driving straight, it may be the ball joints.
- Brakes – Old or worn brakes can cause intense shakiness through the steering wheel when you try to slow down or come to a stop. It usually means that the rotors are warped or worn out.
- Axle – If you've been in an accident recently and you're noticing vibrations afterward, your vehicle's axle may have gotten bent or corrupted. In these situations, the shakiness is present no matter what speed you're going. If the steering wheel also jerks in one direction, it could be a red flag that your driveshaft is affected. It can be hazardous to drive under these conditions, so it is highly advised that you get your car to the auto repair shop immediately.
For high-quality and reliable steering repairs, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (770) 473-8802. We welcome you to Tri Star Automotive today!