What Causes Front Wheel Wobble When Turning a Car?
2 Answers
Front wheel wobble when turning a car is caused by tire imbalance or excessive steering wheel free play. Tire Imbalance: One of the inspection items in front wheel alignment, if tires are unbalanced, it will cause the vehicle to sway side to side and bounce up and down during driving, resulting in steering wheel vibration. This creates extreme discomfort for drivers and passengers. Counterbalance lead weights must be installed on both sides of the wheel rim to achieve balance. Excessive Steering Wheel Free Play: When the steering wheel has excessive free play (free rotation angle exceeds 30 degrees), drivers may feel "steering float" during vehicle operation. In this case, first check for looseness in the steering wheel, fastening bolts, and spline fit. If necessary, disassemble and inspect internal components of the steering gear to identify the cause of the fault.
I've been driving for over a decade and have experienced front wheel wobble during turns several times. The most common cause is tire issues, such as insufficient pressure or uneven wear, which leads to uneven pressure distribution during turns. Aging suspension systems are another major problem - loose shock absorbers or worn steering linkages can make the car unstable when cornering. Once I noticed wobbling on the highway and found out it was due to improper wheel balancing - that feeling was truly unsettling. For safety, I recommend immediately taking the car to a repair shop for a comprehensive inspection of suspension and steering components using professional equipment when such issues arise - don't delay and risk danger. For regular maintenance, periodically checking tire pressure and suspension bushings can prevent many potential problems.
