What causes the steering wheel to shake left and right at low speeds?

[VanGenevieve]

The reasons for the steering wheel shaking left and right at low speeds are: 1. Incorrect dynamic balance data of the four wheels, which can be checked and readjusted if necessary; 2. Worn or loose wheel bearings of the four wheels, so it is recommended to inspect and adjust or replace them if loose; 3. Bulging or uneven tread on the tires of the four wheels, causing shaking while driving; 4. Loose wheel hub bearings and severe wear of the left and right steering knuckle ball joints, leading to inaccurate front wheel alignment.

[DiCharlotte]

A few days ago, my car was driving slowly in the city, and the steering wheel kept wobbling left and right, which really puzzled me. Later, I had a mechanic check it out, and it turned out to be caused by front wheel imbalance. Common causes for such issues include uneven tire wear or slight deformation of the wheel rim. If you feel wobbling at low speeds, don’t take it lightly—it could be due to worn wheel bearings, soft suspension shock absorbers, or loose steering ball joints. My friend’s car had a similar issue, and it turned out to be caused by a stuck brake caliper. I recommend going to a professional repair shop for a check-up immediately. Don’t delay, as prolonged neglect can worsen component damage and even affect high-speed driving safety. Regular wheel balancing and alignment checks while driving can prevent many such troubles.

[EmmaFitz]

When I drive slowly in congested areas, the steering wheel keeps shaking back and forth. The mechanic told me before that this could be due to unbalanced wheel alignment or uneven tire wear causing out-of-roundness. Sometimes, loose chassis bolts or aging suspension components, such as failed shock absorbers or springs, can also cause this shaking. I pay extra attention to these small signals while driving because an unstable steering wheel makes it easier to make mistakes when changing lanes or turning. It's best to have it checked by a professional shop with proper equipment rather than trying to fix it yourself. Additionally, regularly checking tire pressure and wear during maintenance can prevent many potential issues.

[SiennaLee]

When driving slowly, the steering wheel shakes violently, and I've experienced this too. Possible causes include unbalanced wheels or worn suspension components. Check for uneven tire wear and whether the tie rod connections are loose. If not addressed promptly, it can increase tire wear and even affect normal handling. The first time I encountered this issue after learning to drive, I went for repairs immediately. I suggest you don't ignore it either.

[LeAva]

Last time, while driving slowly in my neighborhood, my car's steering wheel started shaking left and right, so I immediately went to get it checked. It turned out to be caused by excessive wear of the small ball joint in the steering mechanism or inconsistent tire pressure. This kind of shaking usually signals wheel misalignment or loose chassis components, and the repair isn't too expensive. I always pay attention to these details when driving, and fixing them promptly can prevent greater losses.