What causes steering wheel and body vibration?
3 Answers
It may be due to deformation or vehicle transmission system failure, excessive carbon deposits, unstable oil pressure in the fuel supply system, and other reasons. Hazards of abnormal vehicle vibration: While driving, vibration can cause the vehicle to deviate from its direction and lead to tire slippage. In severe cases, it may result in traffic accidents. Vehicle maintenance: When starting a cold engine, allow it to idle for about one and a half minutes to give it a warm-up period. Avoid lugging the engine while driving, and downshift promptly when engine vibration occurs. Protect the chassis. The chassis is the part of the vehicle closest to the ground and is highly susceptible to damage from road objects. Therefore, regularly inspect the chassis to prevent excessive damage from foreign objects.
The year I started driving, I experienced severe steering wheel vibration. At that time on the highway, the car was swaying left and right like a boat. The main reason I think was tire imbalance or uneven wear, caused by not having wheel balancing checked for a long time, leading to uneven weight distribution of the wheels. Another common issue is wheel hub deformation or aging suspension components like failed shock absorbers - when these parts can't absorb vibrations, they get transmitted to the body and steering wheel. If brake discs are worn or deformed, the shaking is particularly intense when braking. I recommend going to a professional shop immediately when you feel vibration to check tires, suspension and brake systems - don't delay as it may accelerate component damage and increase repair costs. For prevention, regular wheel alignment and seasonal tire pressure checks are very effective. After all, safety comes first and shouldn't be neglected.
During a long-distance drive, I once noticed continuous shaking in the car body and steering wheel. I immediately went to a repair shop and found out it was due to improper tire pressure—one front tire was too high and the other too low, causing poor stability. The technician also explained that damage to the half-shaft or drive shaft could worsen vibrations, especially noticeable during turns. If the shaking occurs at low speeds, it might be due to loose engine mounts. I believe ignoring such minor issues can increase fuel consumption or even lead to accidents, so I’ve developed a habit of checking tire pressure monthly to ensure it stays within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Additionally, having the technician quickly inspect suspension and brake components during routine maintenance can save a lot of trouble.
