What Causes Steering Wheel Vibration When Exceeding 120 km/h?
2 Answers
Speed exceeding 120 km/h steering wheel vibration reasons are as follows: 1. Caused by force feedback generated from tire-ground contact; 2. Various vehicle issues including wheel camber/toe misalignment, tire surface debris, lost wheel weights, deformed rims, excessive steering linkage play, or insufficient tire pressure. Specific tire-related problems include: 1. Uneven tire pressure among four wheels (especially front pair); 2. Uneven tread wear patterns (one-sided wear); 3. Out-of-round wheel rims (steel/aluminum rims deformed into oval shape); 4. Lack of alignment correction after tire replacement; 5. Tire puncture creating a bulge - unnoticeable at low speeds (absorbed by suspension) but generating pronounced frequency vibrations at high speeds.
I've been driving for over twenty years and often experience steering wheel vibrations on the highway, especially when exceeding 120 kilometers per hour. This is caused by wheel imbalance or uneven tire wear, where the centrifugal force becomes unbalanced during high-speed rotation, transmitting vibrations through the steering system to the wheel. If the wheel hub has slight deformation or damage, it can also intensify the shaking. Sometimes, issues with the brake discs may also become noticeable at high speeds. I recommend checking tire pressure with each seasonal change and regularly performing dynamic balancing and four-wheel alignment tests—these simple maintenance steps can effectively prevent problems. Safety always comes first. When vibrations occur, reduce speed and seek professional inspection as soon as possible, as stability on the highway directly affects your family's safety. Remember, a high-quality tire can last tens of thousands of kilometers without issues, but neglecting small problems may lead to major disasters.
