What Causes Steering Wheel Vibration at 120 km/h on the Highway?
2 Answers
Highway steering wheel vibration at 120 km/h can be caused by: 1. Force feedback effects; 2. Issues with the vehicle's tires; 3. Deformation of front wheel spokes or unequal number of tire bolts; 4. Loose installation of transmission system components; 5. Bent drive shaft, power imbalance, or front axle deformation; 6. Shock absorber failure. The checks needed for steering wheel vibration include: 1. Inspecting whether the tread is cracked; 2. Checking if the tread is scratched or punctured by nails; 3. If the tire has been impacted, examining whether the tread has bulges; 4. Visiting a tire repair shop to perform tire balancing with a tire balancing machine to identify the unbalanced areas and the required counterweights.
I've also experienced steering wheel vibration issues on the highway, especially noticeable when the speed reaches around 120 km/h. The most common cause of this is tire dynamic imbalance – it happens when the balancing weights fall off or aren't properly attached. Last time I went for maintenance, the mechanic said hitting curbs or having deformed rims could also cause vibration. Problems with the suspension system are another possibility, like deformed tie rods or loose ball joints. Another potential cause could be a bent drive shaft, particularly more noticeable when turning in front-wheel-drive vehicles. I recommend getting a tire balance check as soon as possible. It's not expensive but crucial – driving with vibration is too dangerous, and the consequences of losing control could be unthinkable.
