Why does the steering wheel start shaking when the car reaches 80 km/h?
2 Answers
When the car reaches 80 km/h, the steering wheel shaking may be caused by the following reasons: 1. There is clearance in the chassis ball joint. When the vehicle is driving at high speed, there will be some play, which will cause shaking. Check the ball joint and replace the damaged one. 2. The steering wheel shaft is loose. Check the steering wheel system and replace any damaged parts. 3. The wheel dynamic balance is inaccurate. Perform dynamic balance for the tires. Precautions for performing dynamic balance for tires: 1. Do not touch the tire while it is rotating, otherwise it may be dangerous. 2. The inside of the tire should be cleaned, otherwise the balance weights may fall off.
Having driven for decades, my car's steering wheel starts shaking at 80 km/h, a very common issue. It's most likely due to unbalanced wheels—either from factory defects or after tire repairs, causing vibrations to transfer to the steering wheel at high speeds. Worn or uneven tire tread from aging or hitting potholes could also be the culprit. First, check tire pressure; both overinflation and underinflation can cause problems. If the pressure is fine, get a wheel balance at a repair shop—it costs just a few bucks, and don’t skimp on safety. Also, inspect the suspension system; loose bolts or worn shock absorbers can amplify vibrations. High-speed shaking shouldn’t be ignored—it risks tire blowouts or loss of control, especially on wet roads. I learned the hard way in my youth by delaying repairs, leading to a costly highway accident. Regular wheel maintenance prevents such risks and ensures safer driving.
