What Causes Steering Wheel Shaking During Braking?
2 Answers
Steering wheel shaking during braking can be caused by: toe-in malfunction, loss of wheel balancing weights, loose tie rods, worn wheel hub bearings, or damaged steering dampers. Collisions during driving may deform the steering linkage and tie rods, altering the toe-in angle. After certain mileage, original wheel balancing weights may fall off, wheel hubs may deform, causing front-end wobble and steering wheel vibration. Loose lateral tie rod ends or suspension mounts can lead to driving instability. Worn wheel hub bearings or severely damaged steering knuckle joints result in inaccurate front wheel alignment. Damaged or leaking steering dampers, as well as deformed front suspension springs, also negatively affect vehicle stability during driving.
I have ten years of experience in car repair. When encountering steering wheel vibration during braking, the most common causes are warped brake rotors or uneven wear. Prolonged braking or frequent hard stops can cause the brake rotors to overheat and warp, just like how a frying pan warps when heated. Uneven brake pad wear or hard spots on the pads can also cause vibration. Another possible cause is a stuck or improperly retracting caliper piston, which leads to uneven brake force distribution. Wheel balance issues, especially when tires are unevenly worn, can amplify the vibration during braking. If this issue is not addressed promptly, braking distance will increase, which is particularly dangerous on highways and can easily lead to accidents. It's recommended to check the flatness of the brake rotors as soon as vibration occurs, using professional tools to measure thickness variation. A comprehensive diagnosis at a repair shop is ideal. To reduce the risk of rotor warping, avoid hard braking in daily driving.
