What Causes Steering Wheel Shaking When Braking Above 80 MPH?
2 Answers
The reason for steering wheel shaking when braking above 80 MPH is: excessive runout of the brake disc during rotation. The solution involves removing the tire to inspect whether the brake disc itself is warped or deformed. If deformation is found, replace the brake disc. If no deformation is present, use a brake disc runout gauge to check if the brake disc has excessive runout. If excessive runout is detected, replace the front brake disc or front wheel hub. The steering wheel is typically connected to the steering shaft via splines. Its function 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. The steering wheel mainly consists of a frame, foam padding, and mounting clips or screw holes corresponding to the driver's airbag (DAB).
I've experienced this issue multiple times. When braking at speeds above 80 mph, the steering wheel shakes, mainly due to uneven brake rotors. At high speeds, the brake rotors get very hot. If they were slightly warped or unevenly worn before, braking will cause the steering wheel to shake. Another possible cause is wheel imbalance, which could be due to uneven tire wear or improper wheel balancing, leading to steering wheel vibration during high-speed braking. Additionally, suspension system failures, such as worn shock absorbers or loose steering components, can also cause this phenomenon. I recommend first checking if the brake rotors are smooth and even. If they're uneven, they'll need to be resurfaced or replaced. Also, have the wheels checked for balance. Continuing to drive like this not only causes discomfort but may also accelerate wear on other components, compromising safety. It's best to have a professional inspection as soon as possible.
