Is It Normal for the Steering Wheel to Slightly Shake at 120 km/h?
3 Answers
It is normal for the steering wheel to slightly shake at 120 km/h. Reasons for the Shaking: Generally, the first possible cause of such an issue could be a problem with the tires. If the mass distribution of the tire is uneven, the vehicle will become unbalanced when the tires rotate at high speeds. Tire issues may arise from factors such as the detachment of balancing weights, tire repairs, excessive rim repairs, or inconsistent tire pressure. Once the vehicle becomes unbalanced, it can lead to steering wheel shaking. In such cases, a four-wheel alignment and dynamic balancing of the tires are necessary, and tire replacement might be required if needed. If the problem persists even after performing these adjustments, it could be due to aging or cracking of the rubber bushings in the front lower control arms. Cracks can create gaps between structures, which may not significantly affect the vehicle at low speeds but can have a noticeable impact at high speeds, most evidently felt as steering wheel shaking. Additionally, loose or aged front suspension components might also cause steering wheel shaking during high-speed driving. Introduction to the Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is a round device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver on the wheel's edge into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. Initially, cars were steered using a tiller, which transmitted intense vibrations from the road to the driver, making it difficult to control the direction. After engines were moved to the front of the vehicle, the increased weight made it impossible for drivers to use a tiller effectively. The steering wheel was thus invented, introducing a gear system between the driver and the wheels that operates smoothly and effectively isolates road vibrations. Moreover, a well-designed steering system provides the driver with a seamless connection to the road.
I once experienced slight steering wheel vibration at 120 km/h on the highway, which I thought was quite common but should be checked. At that time, my car had just gotten new tires. Later at the shop, they found the tires weren't properly balanced, causing the wheel to wobble slightly at high speeds due to uneven weight distribution. The technician also mentioned that slight wheel rim deformation or loose suspension bolts could cause this, and long-term neglect might worsen the vibration and affect safety. I suggest you get a wheel balancing test during your next maintenance—it's inexpensive and solves the problem. Also, regularly check if tire pressures are even and avoid driving at extreme speeds.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I believe that slight steering wheel vibration at 120 km/h on highways is not normal and may indicate hidden safety hazards. Loose suspension components or uneven tire wear can easily cause vibrations, and ignoring them could be dangerous during emergency lane changes. It's recommended to immediately slow down and pull over to check for obvious tire abnormalities or pressure differences. Safety comes first – it's best to visit a professional repair shop for inspection as soon as possible. Spending a little money to prevent accidents is worthwhile.
