Why does the steering wheel shake after changing tires?
2 Answers
The reason for steering wheel shaking after changing tires: After replacing tires, the weight of each tire cannot be completely uniform. At high speeds, the wheels will become unbalanced, leading to vehicle deviation and steering wheel vibration. It is necessary to perform wheel balancing every time after changing tires to effectively solve this issue. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on vehicles or machinery for ground rolling, usually installed on metal rims. They support the vehicle body, absorb external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain driving performance. Tires often operate under complex and harsh conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, and temperature extremes during driving. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning ability.
I experienced steering wheel vibration shortly after changing tires, which is most likely due to improper tire balancing. When new tires are installed, the position of balancing weights on the rims changes. If the technician doesn't adjust them properly, it can cause vibrations during high-speed rotation. Additionally, check if there's any residual old adhesive or dirt on the wheel mounting surface, as this is often overlooked. Uneven tightening of the bolts during installation (not following the cross pattern) can also lead to imbalanced force distribution. I recommend avoiding highway driving until you return to the repair shop for a free rebalancing. Make sure to supervise the technician to ensure they follow standard procedures, and have them double-check tire pressure and rim deformation. Never ignore steering vibrations – prolonged issues can lead to serious steering system damage.
