5 Causes of Steering Wheel Vibration

Have you ever experienced an unsettling feeling when your steering wheel moves by itself? Perhaps it vibrates, shakes, or pulls on the road? Unless you have a new "self-driving" car, steering wheel movement is often a sign of a problem with your car, often related to your tires or brakes. Ignoring steering wheel vibration can cause these basic problems to escalate into more serious problems for your vehicle. So why is the steering wheel shaking? Chapel Hill Tire experts offer 5 potential causes and solutions. 

Shaky Steering Wheel Problem 1: Deformed Brake Discs

Have you noticed that the steering wheel shakes when you slow down or stop the car? This could be a sign of warped brake discs. Your brake discs are the smooth, flat surface that your brake pads push against to slow or stop you. Friction between brake pads and brake discs generates heat, which makes your disc metal pliable. Over time, this pressure can bend your rotors, especially without proper brake pad replacement. 

When your rotors are bent, the brake pads will push against uneven ground when braking, causing your steering wheel to shake. Luckily, this can be fixed with a brake disc replacement. If you spot this problem early enough, your mechanic can even resurface your rotors to make them smooth and straight again. However, if you've already noticed signs of flex, such as steering wheel shaking, this repair is unlikely.

Shaky Steering Wheel Problem 2: Tire Alignment Problems

Your vehicle's suspension system is designed to align your tires, helping them to lay evenly on the road surface. Over time, road turbulence, harsh driving, and other hazards can disrupt this alignment, leaving one or more of your wheels at a skewed angle. Even small camber problems can cause the steering wheel to shake or vibrate. 

In addition to steering wheel shaking, wheel alignment problems can cause uneven and accelerated tire wear. A quick wheel alignment service can resolve this issue and its symptoms. If you are not sure if you need a wheel alignment service, bring your vehicle for a free wheel alignment test.

Shaky Steering Wheel Problem 3: Tire Balance Problems

All four wheels must rotate at the same speed, which is possible due to their balance. However, tires become unbalanced due to seasonal changes, uneven driving patterns, poor road conditions, pressure fluctuations, etc. Unbalanced tires can affect the suspension and axle, resulting in steering wheel vibration. This problem can be fixed (or prevented) with a regular tire balancing service. On average, your tires should be balanced every 10,000-12,000 miles.

Shaking Steering Wheel Issue 4: Stuck Caliper

One unusual cause of steering wheel shaking is jammed brake calipers. Your brake calipers hold the brake pads in place, lowering them every time you slow or stop your car. Although uncommon, brake calipers can jam (also called "sticky" or "stuck"). Stuck brake calipers can cause steering problems—often due to the steering wheel shaking or pulling out. Unlike warped rotors, you will notice this problem while driving and not when braking. 

What is a stuck brake caliper? As the name suggests, this is when your caliper "sticks" to the rotor. Instead of going up when you take your foot off the brake, your brake stays pressed against the rotor - almost as if you lightly applied the brake while moving. Naturally, driving with stuck calipers can be problematic, not to mention damaging your car's engine, braking system, fuel economy, tires, and more. 

Sticking brake calipers are commonly caused by worn hoses, buildup of debris and self-installing brakes, among other potential causes. If you suspect you have a stuck brake caliper, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Shaking Steering Problem 5: Suspension Problems

Your vehicle's suspension is a network of systems that connect your vehicle to its tires, including dampers, coils/springs, pivots, bushings, and more. Any of these components may be experiencing a problem that impairs the handling of your vehicle. As you might have guessed, suspension issues can cause steering shaking. 

If you've ruled out all other potential sources of steering wheel vibration, it's most likely a suspension issue. An inspection by a professional mechanic will most likely be required to determine the exact nature of this problem.  

Chapel Hill Tire: car service near me

If you find your steering wheel is shaking, Chapel Hill Tire is here to help. We proudly serve drivers throughout the Triangle with our mechanics in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrborough and Apex. Chapel Hill Tire also typically serves drivers from nearby areas including Cary, Nightdale, Clayton, Pittsboro, Garner, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and more. If you feel uncomfortable driving with a shaky steering wheel, our mechanics will come to you! For our customers, we offer mechanic pickup and delivery services. You can make an appointment online or call your nearest branch to get started today!

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