Why Does the Steering Wheel Slightly Shake When Braking at 120 km/h?
2 Answers
The slight shaking of the steering wheel when braking at 120 km/h may be due to a malfunction in the transmission system or uneven wear of the brake discs. When driving at 120 km/h, the shaking of the steering wheel during braking could indicate an abnormality in the car's transmission system. It is advisable to check for rust or looseness in components such as the steering tie rod and tie rod ball joints. Below are additional details: 1. Shaking: When braking at a certain speed, the left and right wheels on the same axle may experience uneven braking force, leading to an imbalance in braking torque. This can cause the wheels to alternately tighten and loosen. 2. Solution: If the imbalance in braking torque becomes significant, it can result in uneven rolling speeds of the left and right wheels, causing them to oscillate side to side. This oscillation is then transmitted back to the steering wheel. There are two solutions to address uneven brake disc wear: one is to resurface the brake discs, and the other is to replace them entirely.
After driving for so many years, I occasionally encounter steering wheel vibration when braking on the highway, which is quite scary. Generally speaking, this issue is mostly caused by worn or warped brake rotors. For example, prolonged vehicle use or harsh braking can lead to uneven heat distribution on the rotor surface, causing warping. During high-speed braking, uneven friction transfers to the steering wheel. Additionally, improper tire balancing can also cause vibrations, especially if the front wheel dynamic balance is off. I recommend visiting a repair shop to check the braking system first, and also inspect whether components like shock absorbers or ball joints are loose. Don’t neglect wheel and brake maintenance during regular servicing—replacing brake pads periodically can prevent many issues. Driving safety comes first; don’t delay repairs.
