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Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

A shaking steering wheel is a complaint we have heard many times over and is actually a common problem that many car owners just ignore. This issue should never be ignored because it can lead to other car parts wearing out leading to higher repair costs.

The leading problem for a shaking steering wheel is an imbalance or damage to your front tyres or the rims. It can also be caused by defective brake rotors, especially if you experience this problem when braking. Other causes can be poor alignment or poor suspension parts.

Here are the main reasons why a steering wheel will shake.

Defective Front Tyres Or Poor Alignment

Once a mechanic has placed the front tyre on a rim, they have to balance it with weights to keep it balanced. If the weights come loose, your steering wheel will start to shake.

Another cause is damage to the tyre. You should regularly check the front tyres for any form of damage and if you can’t find the problem, have your garage balance them for you.

In general, this is the most common cause for both low and high speeds. If the steering wheel shakes at low speeds, it is probably caused by a damaged tyre.

Damage To Your Wheel Or Rim Hub

Damage to the rim or wheel hub is another major problem for your steering wheel shaking. If you were in a minor accident or have driven over bumpy rough roads, it can cause an imbalance. If the damage is significant, you should replace the rim.

Your Brake Rotors

Bad Car Brake Rotors

If your brake rotors have become rusty or worn out, there is a chance the brake rotors are causing your shaking steering wheel, especially if you have overheated the brake rotors at some point in time.

You can easily check this by very slightly pressing the brake pedal at higher speeds. If the problem becomes worse, chances are the brake rotors are the problem.

Wheel Alignment

A defective wheel alignment can cause tyres to steer in different directions and start to bump around creating a shaking experience with your steering wheel.

Also, this will happen if you have other worn-out suspension parts during the same period of time.

Control Arm Bushings

If you don’t know, the control arm bushings hold your tyres in a fixed position so they will not start wobbling at higher speeds.

If your bushings are worn-out, it will be evident when you press the brakes on your car.

The Tie Rod Ends

The inner and outer tie rod holds the wheel in position when driving at high speeds. Therefore, it’s common that these rods will wear out and not hold the tyres in a fixed position.

Also, if you have tried everything else and the shaking persists, there is a chance that you should check the tie rod ends or ask your mechanic to do so.

The Steering Wheel Is Shaking When Braking, Why?

Wheel Alignment

When your steering wheel only shakes when braking, these are the two leading reasons:

The Front Brake Rotors

The leading cause why your steering wheel shakes when braking is due to the front brake rotors.

This is very likely if you have overheated your brake rotors or if they have become very rusty from sitting around for some time.

Also, unbalanced brake rotors are common in new cars and are a rising problem for certain cars such as BMW and Audi.

Control Arm Bushings

If you have replaced the front brake rotors and the problem persists, there is a good chance the problem is with your front suspension parts like the control arm bushings or a worn-out tie rod.

A shaking steering wheel is not really that uncommon. There are several reasons but if you are not able to find out what’s causing the situation, it’s advisable you contact your local mechanic and let them pinpoint the problem. You want to ensure other components do not become worn out or affected by a bushing arm or some other problem. You must take care of potentially smaller problems with a car when they are discovered otherwise they can lead on to further and more expensive repairs.

If you have concerns with a shaking steering wheel you can book your car or van in for a check, use the quick quote form below or give us a call on Oldham –  0161 624 5060, Bury0161 761 3030, Van Centre Oldham0161 628 5270 or at our new Heywood branch 01706 622633. We also offer a highly convenient Collect & Return service or a courtesy car to ensure your routine is disrupted as little as possible while your vehicle is serviced or repaired.

Arranging Your Service

Drop your car off
Simply drop your car off with us between 8am and 10am and in most cases your vehicle will be ready for collection the same day between 3.30 and 5.30. Outside these hours you are welcome to park.

Wait with your car
Most servicing and repair work can be done while you wait. If this is your preference we have a superb waiting area equipped with free hot and cold drinks and a interesting viewing area where you can watch our trained technicians working on your vehicle.

Courtesy car
If your vehicle needs to stay with us for 1 day or longer then you are able to pre-book one of our courtesy vehicles to keep you mobile.

Pick up / drop off
The ultimate hassle free solution; one of our drivers will arrange to collect your vehicle from your home or place of work at a pre-arranged time and then return your vehicle when the work is complete. Our service advisors will contact you when the vehicle arrives on site during the day to discuss the progress of the work and then advise you of the time you can expect your vehicle back. Contact our service advisors for more details.

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Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

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