What are the reasons for a slightly shaking steering wheel?
2 Answers
The reasons for a slightly shaking steering wheel are: 1. Poor driving habits of the owner, caused by excessive braking; 2. Abnormal wear on the surface of the brake disc or brake pads; 3. Issues with the installation of the braking system, tires, or bearings; 4. Excessive braking force leading to overheating and deformation of the brake disc and brake pads. The function of the steering wheel is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. It mainly consists of a skeleton, foam, and the corresponding mounting clips or screw holes for the driver's airbag (DAB). The brake disc is a round disc that rotates as the vehicle moves. The brake caliper clamps the brake disc to generate braking force. When the brake is applied, it clamps the brake disc to slow down or stop the vehicle.
Last time I was driving on the highway, I noticed the steering wheel shaking a bit. At first, I thought it was due to uneven road surface, but later I realized it wobbled severely when reaching 70-80 km/h. After inspection, I found out it was a tire dynamic balance issue—uneven weight distribution among the four wheels caused violent shaking at high speeds, just like a washing machine spinning clothes. In fact, wheel rim deformation, uneven tire wear, or installing low-quality tires can also cause this problem. Additionally, worn suspension ball joints or loose steering tie rods can make the steering wheel feel unstable. The scariest is warped brake rotors, which make the steering wheel shake when braking. My advice: never ignore steering wheel vibrations—it directly affects handling stability. Get it checked at a repair shop as soon as possible. Perform dynamic balancing if needed, and replace parts if necessary.
