Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

When you suddenly realize on a drive in Boulder, “My steering wheel shakes,” your mind starts to race about why this happens. The most common reason why your steering wheel is shaking is because your tires or wheels are out of alignment. When the tires are unbalanced or the wheels aren’t aimed straight, the vibrations can go straight up the steering column to your steering wheel. You might feel the entire car shake, too, regardless if the road is smooth or choppy in Louisville.

Although misalignment is the most ordinary reason why your steering wheel is shaking, there are other causes, too. Read our guide about why your steering wheel shakes, brought to you by Fisher Honda near Broomfield.

Five Reasons Why My Steering Wheel Is Shaking

Five main reasons might lead to the cause of your steering wheel shakes. Each of them outlines a different problem your vehicle could have. Regardless of why, you want to get your vehicle checked out at our service center to fix the problem of your steering wheel shaking.

• Unbalanced tires: Tires have small weights on them to keep them balanced due to slight, natural deformities in the rubber. If one of these weights falls off, your tires are unbalanced. This might cause vibrations in the wheel with the unbalanced tire. The vibrations might lead to damage to your wheel, shocks, and struts if left unbalanced. So, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in for tire service.
• Wheel misalignment: Like with unbalanced tires, improper positioning of your vehicle’s wheels can cause your steering wheel to shake. The best way to avoid misaligned tires is to avoid potholes and drive over railroad crossings slowly. A wheel misalignment is easy to diagnose because your treadwear will be uneven on the affected tire.
• Bad wheel bearings: Your wheels need bearings to turn properly. If there is damage or not enough lubrication to keep the bearings working properly, they will cause friction. This friction will likely cause vibrations and a shaky steering wheel. However, this only causes the wheel to shake when turning. Most times a simple cleaning of the bearings can help. If the bearings need to be replaced, you’re looking at a repair bill of more than $400.
• Suspension issues: If parts are worn or loose, or the driveshaft is imbalanced, this could be why your steering wheel is shaking. Though these are simple fixes, they aren’t fixes to hold off on. Waiting to have these parts fixed could cause more damage and more expensive issues.
• Brake issues: If you notice your steering wheel shakes when hitting the brakes, the issue comes from your braking system. Worn brake pads, defective brake discs, and even worn shocks can be the cause. Brake pads are an easy replacement for our service team but can cost up to $300 per axle depending on where your vehicle is serviced.

Schedule Service for Your Vehicle at Fisher Honda

Is your car ready for maintenance or repairs? Contact us, call 720-739-5792, or schedule service with our team. We’re happy to help in any way we can, from oil changes and new tires to brakes or transmission service. Our service coupons can lower your price of vehicle maintenance for as long as you own your car in Longmont.