What is the reason for slight back-and-forth shaking and abnormal noise in the steering wheel?
2 Answers
The reasons for slight back-and-forth shaking and abnormal noise in the steering wheel are as follows: Increased rack clearance: When the steering wheel shakes slightly back and forth, the abnormal noise may be caused by increased clearance between the gears and racks of the steering gear. Increased universal transmission clearance: It could also be due to increased clearance in the car's universal transmission device or related to the pressure axis of the shock absorber. The functions of the steering wheel are as follows: Direction control: The most common function of the steering wheel is to control direction. While driving, frequent turns, U-turns, and straight-line driving all require the steering wheel to control direction, change the orientation of the car's front, and steer the wheels. Multi-function steering wheel: It has many mechanical buttons that allow control of various functions without touching the central console, including answering calls, making calls, listening to music, etc., freeing the driver's hands and making driving safer. Signal warning: Cars often experience minor faults. If the steering wheel shakes while driving, caution is advised. Common reasons include severe wear of the brake discs or wheel hub bearings. In such cases, timely inspection and repair are necessary.
I recently encountered a problem with a clicking sound when the steering wheel shakes while driving. After figuring it out, I found the main cause was wear or looseness in the ball joints of the steering system. Driving for long periods on bumpy roads can easily cause issues with these small parts. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but later I noticed the steering felt light and floaty during turns, which was quite scary. The inspection method is simple: park the car on level ground, gently turn the steering wheel back and forth, and listen for where the sound is coming from. If it’s from the bottom, it might be a bad ball joint; if the sound is from the steering wheel itself, it could be a loose steering column or a power steering issue. I recommend not trying to fix it yourself to avoid damaging more parts. Instead, take it to a repair shop as soon as possible so the mechanic can use professional tools to diagnose and replace the faulty parts—it’ll be quiet again, and the cost isn’t high. This can save you from bigger trouble, like losing control on the highway. Develop a habit of regularly checking the chassis and steering system, and inspect the tightness of the tire bolts every few thousand kilometers. This kind of preventive maintenance can make your car last longer.
