What causes the steering wheel to shake when braking at 100 mph?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for steering wheel vibration when braking at 100 mph: 1. Wheel balance issue. A car's wheel is composed of a tire and a rim. When there is a problem with the wheel balance, it means the wheel is not in a balanced state during high-speed driving. If the balance data is incorrect, the wheel's rotation center will shift, causing the wheel to shake, which in turn affects the steering wheel. 2. Rim problem. If the car's rim has been impacted during previous driving, causing it to deform. Due to the deformation of the rim, the wheel may shake during driving, leading to steering wheel vibration. 3. Chassis component issue. This usually occurs in cars that have been poorly repaired after an accident. Due to the impact during the accident affecting the chassis components, steering wheel vibration may also occur.
Last year, when I hit the brakes on the highway, the steering wheel shook violently. Later, an inspection revealed that the brake disc surface had become uneven. At high speeds, this shaking was particularly noticeable because the uneven friction between the brake pads and the disc transmitted vibrations to the steering wheel. This issue is quite common, especially in older vehicles where uneven wear or rust on the brake discs can cause it, or it might involve stuck brake calipers. I remember the mechanic saying it's best to regularly check the brake system, including measuring disc thickness and resurfacing, otherwise prolonged neglect could worsen tire wear or even compromise handling safety. Anyway, if you encounter such shaking, don't delay—slow down, pull over, and get it checked at a professional shop. Safety first!
