Steering Wheel Shaking? Common Causes by When It Happens
A shaking steering wheel is one of the most common things people bring us. The best clue is when it happens. Here's what each pattern usually points to.
By the ATS Auto Repair team in Hammond ·
Shakes at highway speed (often 55 to 70 mph)
The most common cause is a tire that's out of balance, often from a lost wheel weight. It usually starts at a certain speed, gets worse, and may smooth out if you go faster. Other causes: a bent wheel from a pothole, or a tire with a damaged belt inside that makes it out of round. That last one can be dangerous, so don't ignore a shake that showed up suddenly. See tires in Hammond.
Shakes when you brake
If the wheel shakes or the pedal pulses mostly when you're slowing down, especially from highway speed, the front rotors are likely worn unevenly. A sticking caliper can do it too. See brake repair, and our post on brake noises.
Shakes or clicks when turning
A clicking noise when turning sharply, like in a parking lot, often points to a worn CV joint on a front axle. Shaking when accelerating can point there too. A torn CV boot that slings grease around the inside of the wheel is an early sign. Worn tie rods or ball joints can cause looseness and shake as well. See suspension and steering repair.
Shakes at low speed
A wobble you feel at parking-lot speed often means a tire problem: a bulge, a shifted belt, or a wheel that's bent. Look at the tires. If you see a bulge, don't drive on it.
Shakes when the car is sitting still
If the whole car shakes at a red light, that's usually not the wheels. It's more often an engine misfire or a worn engine or transmission mount. If the check engine light is on or flashing, that's a strong hint. See check engine light diagnostics.
The wheel is shaking and the car pulls
A pull along with a shake can mean a damaged tire, a sticking brake, or a bent suspension part. Have it checked soon.
What to tell us
- At what speed it starts, and whether it goes away faster or slower
- Whether it happens when braking, turning, accelerating or all the time
- Whether you hit a pothole or curb before it started
- Whether you just had tires put on or rotated
That narrows it down fast, and it helps us test the right things.
When to stop driving
If the shake came on suddenly, is getting worse, or comes with a loud noise, a pull, or a bulge in a tire, pull over and call us. A failing tire or a loose part is not something to drive home on the interstate.
Bring it by
We're at 2810 W Church St in Hammond. Call 985-304-8016 or book online. Estimates are free, and you'll get one in writing before any work starts.
Questions we get
Why does my steering wheel shake at 60 mph?
Most often a tire out of balance. A bent wheel or a damaged tire can also do it. Balancing is usually a quick fix.
Why does my steering wheel shake when I brake?
Usually warped or unevenly worn front rotors. Have the brakes checked.
Can bad alignment make the steering wheel shake?
Alignment usually causes a pull or an off-center steering wheel more than a shake. A shake is more often balance, a tire, brakes or a worn part.
Related
This is general information, not a diagnosis of your car. Every car is different, so call us with your year, make and model, or bring it by.
Ready to get it looked at?
Call 985-304-8016 or book online.