What Causes the Steering Wheel of a Journey to Shake?
2 Answers
Reasons for steering wheel shaking: 1. Loose tie rod end; 2. Excessive play in the universal joint cross shaft; 3. Loose adjustment bracket for steering wheel height and tilt; 4. Deformed tires or rims. Generally, steering wheel shaking is mostly caused by tire dynamic balance failure, and redoing the four-wheel dynamic balance can solve the issue. If the problem persists after balancing, the following reasons may apply: 1. Bulging tires or deformed rims; 2. Check the data from a four-wheel alignment; 3. Loose wheel bearings; 4. Aging or damaged engine and transmission mounting bushings; 5. Faulty drive axle with excessive internal wear clearance; 6. Loose or damaged steering gear and ball joints.
When driving my Dodge Journey SUV, I occasionally feel the steering wheel shaking, especially at high speeds, making me feel like I'm sitting on a massage chair—quite uncomfortable. This is mostly due to tire imbalance, meaning the wheels aren't evenly balanced. Alternatively, the tires might have bulges or uneven wear. Another possibility is warped brake rotors, particularly if the shaking worsens when braking, which would require a full brake system inspection. Loose suspension components, such as worn shock absorbers, can also transmit vibrations to the steering wheel. On a deeper level, issues like a faulty steering gear or loose engine mounts could also cause this problem. Steering wheel shaking not only affects driving enjoyment but may also pose safety risks, such as losing control during turns. Therefore, I recommend taking the car to a reliable repair shop for a thorough inspection before the issue escalates. Regular maintenance, such as checking tire pressure and wear, can effectively prevent such annoyances.
