What Causes Wheel Shaking When Turning the Steering Wheel While Stationary?
2 Answers
The reasons for steering wheel shaking are: inaccurate four-wheel alignment data; issues with wheel balance. After tires are mounted on the rims, some parts of the wheel are heavier while others are lighter, causing the wheel to shake when rotating at high speeds. The four wheels of a car have alignment data, and they are not simply perpendicular to the ground. Four-Wheel Alignment: It is recommended to perform a four-wheel alignment on your car regularly. If steering wheel shaking occurs when driving at speeds between 80 to 90 km/h and returns to normal when exceeding 90 km/h, this is mostly caused by deformation or issues in the vehicle's drivetrain. Checking Wheel Static Balance: It is necessary to check whether the front wheel alignment angles and toe-in meet the requirements. If they are off, adjustments should be made. Lift the front axle and rotate the wheels to check the static balance of the wheels and whether the tires are excessively deformed. If deformation is found, the tires should be replaced.
I've been driving used cars for many years and often encounter wheel shaking when turning the steering wheel while stationary. This issue usually stems from the steering system or tires. If the power steering pump isn't functioning properly, it can cause uneven pressure, resulting in inconsistent steering effort and causing the front end to shake. Another possibility is worn steering linkage or loose ball joints, where excessive play during rotation induces vibration. Tire-related factors are also significant - uneven tire pressure between sides, tire deformation, or uneven tread patterns can amplify shaking during stationary turns due to increased resistance. In severe cases, damaged wheel hub bearings can also cause this. I recommend starting with simple checks: measure the tire pressure of all four tires for balance; check if the power steering fluid level is adequate. If the shaking is severe and accompanied by noise, it's best to visit a repair shop immediately. Delaying might damage other components, leading to more expensive repairs.
