What Causes Steering Wheel Vibration When Turning the Wheel While Stationary?
2 Answers
Steering wheel vibration when turning the wheel while stationary can be caused by unstable oil pressure or excessive engine carbon buildup. Unstable Oil Pressure: If the fuel pump's oil supply pressure is abnormal, or if the intake pressure sensor's readings are incorrect or malfunctioning, it can lead to vehicle vibration. The solution is to check the oil pressure and replace components if necessary. Excessive Engine Carbon Buildup: When there is too much carbon buildup inside the engine, the gasoline sprayed by the cold-start injector can be largely absorbed by the carbon deposits, resulting in an overly lean air-fuel mixture during cold starts. This makes turning the steering wheel difficult. After starting, the gasoline adsorbed on the carbon deposits is then drawn into the combustion chamber by the engine's vacuum, making the mixture too rich. This fluctuation between lean and rich air-fuel mixtures causes idle vibration after a cold start. The solution to this issue is to clean the fuel system and check the idle control valve for carbon buildup, which should also be cleaned if necessary.
I often encounter steering wheel vibrations when turning the wheels while stationary, which is usually related to tire friction. When steering at a standstill, the tires may not roll smoothly against the ground, causing deformation or slipping—the vibration feels like the car is complaining. If there's an issue with the power steering system, insufficient hydraulic pump pressure can also make the steering wheel shake severely. I recommend first checking if the power steering fluid level is normal. Additionally, worn or loose components in the steering column or steering gear can amplify vibrations during hard turns, and long-term neglect may even damage the entire steering system. This issue significantly affects vehicle handling, especially when stopping after high-speed driving. I usually seek professional inspection and repair immediately to prevent minor problems from escalating into major failures.
