Modern vehicles are designed to drive smoothly, even on not-so-perfect road surfaces. Although some vibrations in your steering wheel when driving can be normal, if it’s fully shaking something is wrong.

There are many possible sources of a shaking steering wheel. The key to diagnosing the problem is determining when the shaking takes place: during low, medium or high speed driving; when braking, turning or accelerating; or a combination of these actions. If the same vibration occurs under the same circumstances, or worsens, it’s time to get your vehicle to the pros.

Unbalanced tires, warped brake rotors and damaged or worn suspension system parts are the most likely causes for a shaking steering wheel.

Here’s what you need to know:

Why Your Steering Wheel Might Shake

If you’re worried that there might be wheel alignment problems because of your shaking steering wheel, understanding the causes for it becomes essential.

Unbalanced or damaged tires and wheel alignment issues

Tires and wheels must be balanced to prevent vibration. Wheel balancing is the process of equalizing the combined weight of a tire and wheel assembly, allowing it to spin smoothly at high speeds.

Tire imbalance results from one section of a tire being heavier than another. That causes the tire and wheel to vibrate up and down or side to side at specific speeds. That vibration typically telescopes up through the steering wheel, causing it to shake. Abnormal tire wear, wheel damage from an impact (hitting a pothole, curb or being involved in an accident), unevenly worn tires or even a patched tire can also cause an imbalance.

Balancing your tires and wheels usually fixes this problem. That involves spinning a tire and wheel assembly using a specialty piece of equipment called a wheel balancer (it’s a job for pros, not DIYs!). Using sophisticated software and sensors, wheel balancers identify a tire’s heavy spots. Wheel weights are added opposite the heavy area to counteract the imbalance, which eliminates the vibration.

Even new tires usually have some imbalance. Have you ever noticed a yellow or red paint dot on new tires? These indicate the lightest point (yellow) or maximum out-of-round (red) on the tire.

Worn suspension components

An out-of-alignment suspension system usually will not cause the steering wheel to vibrate. It will cause tires to wear abnormally, however, causing the tires to vibrate.  Loose suspension parts (bushings, tie-rod ends, mounting hardware), a worn wheel hub bearing or drive axle CV joint can cause steering wheel vibration, usually at low speed and likely will be more pronounced when turning into a driveway or when parking.

Brake system problems

A warped or damaged disc brake rotor or out-of-round brake drum can cause a steering wheel to shake. A warped disc means the thickness (run-out) across the face of the rotor differs. As the brake pads move over a thinner area of the rotor when stopping, the brake pedal will move up and down. As the thickness variations on the rotor increase with wear or as the rotors heat up, the pulsations intensify and travel through the suspension system to the steering wheel. Rotors and brake drums can be resurfaced, but if they are worn beyond the manufacturer’s specifications, they need to be replaced. It is best to replace both sides at the same time.

Whether you do the brake repairs yourself or leave it to a mechanic, be sure the brake calipers are not binding. Binding calipers cause overheated, scored and cracked rotors. These defects cause vibrations. Always replace all the brake hardware when replacing brake pads.

Other causes

Snow jammed into the back side of a wheel, road tar or a plastic bag wrapped around a drive axle or drive shaft can cause steering wheel vibration. Wheel weights can also fall off. And stay away from tire sealants. If the sealant doesn’t fully adhere to the inside of the tire, the tire will vibrate. Tire sealants can be extremely difficult to clean out and can ruin a repairable tire or tire pressure monitoring system sensor.

It’s wise to have your repair shop check your tires, wheels, brakes and suspension during recommended maintenance intervals to help avoid future problems.

How to Fix a Shaking Steering Wheel

A shaking steering wheel is most likely caused by a problem that’s only going to get escalated if not addressed. Whether you check your car yourself or take it to a shop, deal with the shaking issue before it causes additional problems with your car.

Inspecting and balancing your tires

Whether it’s uneven tire wear or damage due to impact, balancing tires and their regular inspection is important. Consider professional tire balancing services and keep an eye out for visible wear or an uneven tread if you’re experiencing vibrations, as this is one of the most common causes of car shaking.

Getting a proper wheel alignment

Misaligned wheels cause vibrations to be directly transmitted to your car’s steering wheel. Ask a mechanic to have a look at your wheels if you have experienced vibrations recently or have suffered an accident or tread on an uneven, rough road with potholes or other structural disturbances. Request an alignment based on your model’s recommended specifications for the best results.

Replacing worn ball joints or tie rods

Ball joints and tie rods are key components of your car’s steering and suspension. Wear and tear, besides damage can lead to vibrations and compromised vehicular safety. Regular maintenance, checks and replacement in case of damage will eliminate vibrations and make for a safer driving experience.

Fixing warped rotors or worn brake pads

Wear and warping on brake pads and brake rotors are also causes of steering wheel shake during braking. If you notice vibrations through your steering while braking, have these components checked and fixed based on the extent of wear or damage they’ve endured.

How to Prevent Steering Wheel Shake

Regular maintenance is the key to preventing core problems like a vibrating steering wheel. Preventing the problem with pre-emptive measures will help you avoid high repair costs.

Regular maintenance tips for tires and wheels

Rotate your tires every 5,000 and 7,000 miles to ensure even wear, which promotes balance. Ensure appropriate inflation of your tires; in addition to this, deflated tires on either side can cause an imbalance. Besides these steps, also consider alignment whenever you change or replace tires.

Ensuring proper suspension health

Conduct regular checks and maintenance on suspension components such as shocks, struts and springs of your suspension system. Since these parts ensure a smooth ride, any vibrations demand a comprehensive check of your car’s suspension. Addressing issues early and quickly can help you avoid paying for expensive replacements or repairs.

Signs you should see a professional

Though DIY minor adjustments might help you solve some part of the problem when you’re facing steering wheel problems, you will have to visit a professional if your fixes aren’t working. Rapid tire wear, violent shaking, steering wheel vibrations at high speed, and unusual noises are all indications that you require an urgent professional consultation for your car.

FAQ

What’s the cost to fix a vibrating steering wheel?

The exact cost to fix a vibrating steering wheel depends on the nature and cause of the problem. While alignment can cost between $50-$200, part replacements involving brakes, suspension and tie rods can cost between $750 and $1400.

Sources

Author
Bob Lacivita
Since rebuilding his first engine at age 14, cars have been Bob Lacivita's passion, as well as his way of life. He went on to become an award-winning ASE and General Motors auto technician, vocational educator, career and technical center administrator, technical consultant and freelance writer; teaching legions of students and readers about DIY ca...
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Bob Lacivita