What causes steering wheel vibration at speeds between 110 km/h and 120 km/h?
2 Answers
Reasons for steering wheel vibration when driving between 110 km/h and 120 km/h: 1. During driving, collisions may cause deformation of the steering tie rod and steering cross rod: wear and looseness of various ball joints or irregular tire wear can lead to an increase or decrease in toe-in. 2. While driving, damage to the steering damper: oil leakage or deformation of the front suspension spring can also affect stability. 3. Looseness of the wheel hub bearings and severe wear of the left and right steering knuckle ball joints: can result in inaccurate front wheel alignment. 4. Looseness of the lateral thrust rod ball joint or bracket: causes driving instability. 5. Wheel imbalance: loss of the original wheel balancing weights or changes can lead to front-end wobble during high-speed driving, resulting in steering wheel vibration.
I also encountered a similar issue on the highway recently—the steering wheel would shake violently once the speed reached 110 km/h. The most likely cause is a problem with tire dynamic balance, especially when the front tires are unbalanced, as high-speed rotation can produce noticeable vibrations. If the tires have been patched, curbed, lost balancing weights, or become deformed, it can all affect balance. Another possibility is slight wheel rim deformation or worn/loose wheel bearings. I recommend visiting a reputable tire shop for a dynamic balance test—it usually costs just a few dozen yuan to fix. If the balance checks out, then the suspension system should be inspected, such as for worn ball joints or deformed tie rods. Aging components like these can also cause high-speed vibrations—don’t overlook potential safety hazards.
