What Causes Steering Wheel Vibration When Braking Above 80 km/h?
2 Answers
There are five main reasons why the steering wheel vibrates when braking at speeds above 80 km/h: 1. This condition is mostly caused by tire deformation or issues with the vehicle's drivetrain. 2. During driving, wear and looseness of the tie rod ball joints, detachment of rubber bushings at the joints, or irregular tire wear can lead to this issue. 3. Often, it is due to tire deformation caused by daily use, such as rubbing, collisions, or aging. 4. Excessive or frequent braking can overheat the brake discs and pads, leading to deformation upon cooling and resulting in steering wheel vibration. 5. A twisted or deformed driveshaft, loose driveshaft universal joints, or lack of lubrication causing rust and stiffness can also be the cause.
As a veteran driver who frequently travels long distances on highways, I'm particularly familiar with this steering wheel vibration issue. When braking at speeds over 80 km/h, the steering wheel shakes violently, mainly due to heat-induced deformation of the brake discs. During my long-distance trips with frequent braking, overheated brake discs can cool unevenly, causing surface irregularities that lead to uneven force transmission and steering wheel vibration when braking. Sometimes, hardened brake pads or axle problems can worsen the phenomenon. I once drove to another city and noticed the steering wheel shaking like dancing after braking - a maintenance check revealed the brake discs had exceeded deformation limits. Now I've developed a habit of inspecting the braking system every 5,000 kilometers for prevention. Never ignore this issue - it's unsafe for highway driving and may wear out steering components. After repairs, driving feels much smoother and more reassuring.
