What causes steering wheel vibration at 120 km/h on highways?
2 Answers
The reasons for steering wheel vibration when speed reaches 120 km/h are as follows: 1. Wheel feedback: Since cars rely on four wheels contacting the ground, and road surfaces are never perfectly flat. All vehicle vibrations result from force feedback generated by tire-road contact. On the same road surface, at lower speeds the tire contact area is smaller than at high speeds, resulting in less force feedback to the steering wheel. 2. Other issues: The four wheels should be perpendicular to the ground. Problems like wheel camber/toe misalignment, foreign objects on tire surfaces, lost wheel weights, deformed rims, excessive steering linkage play, or insufficient tire pressure can all cause vibration. Driving under these conditions becomes dangerous.
When the steering wheel shakes at 120 km/h, I think the most common cause is improper tire balancing, especially after tire replacement when the balancing weights fall off or are not installed correctly. Uneven tire wear or inconsistent tire pressure can also easily cause shaking, as I experienced last time when the left front tire was severely worn. Warped brake rotors or damaged rims can exacerbate the problem during high-speed braking, and loose suspension components should not be overlooked. If left unaddressed, it can affect handling and pose safety risks. During every maintenance session, I always ask the mechanic to check these details and fix minor issues promptly. Before driving on the highway, everyone should check their tire pressure and have the balance adjusted at a professional shop to ensure a safe journey.
