Why Does the Car Steering Wheel Shake?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why a car steering wheel shakes: 1. Toe-in: Due to collisions during driving, the steering tie rod and steering cross rod may deform, various ball joints may wear out and become loose, or tire wear may become irregular, causing the toe-in to increase or decrease. 2. Wheel dynamic balance: After driving a certain mileage, the original wheel dynamic balance lead weights may be lost, or the wheel hub may deform, causing the front end to sway and the steering wheel to shake at high speeds. 3. Push rod: The looseness of the lateral push rod ball joint or the loosening of the support bracket can cause instability during driving. 4. Wheel hub bearing: The looseness of the wheel hub bearing and severe wear of the left and right steering knuckle ball joints can lead to inaccurate front wheel alignment. 5. Steering shock absorber: While driving, if the steering shock absorber is damaged and leaks oil, or if the front suspension spring is deformed, it can also affect the car's stability.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered steering wheel vibrations several times, usually related to tires. Unbalanced tires are the most common cause, such as uneven tire wear or slight wheel rim deformation, which can cause severe shaking at high speeds. It could also be a brake system issue, like uneven brake rotors causing steering wheel vibration when braking. Damaged suspension components, such as ball joints or shock absorbers, can also lead to vibrations while driving, making the vehicle feel unstable. Additionally, incorrect tire pressure—either too low or too high—can trigger vibrations. In short, steering wheel vibration is no small matter—it affects handling safety. It's advisable to slow down immediately, stop, and visit a professional auto repair shop for a wheel balancing check and suspension test. Regular tire maintenance is also essential.
