What Can Cause a Shaky Steering Wheel?

At normal operation, your vehicle should drive smoothly and without issue. You shouldn't find yourself feeling too much of the road's imperfections or every single little bump in the road. However, if you start to feel that your vehicle's steering wheel vibrates excessively, there may be an issue with the suspension system, tires, or wheels. Since many different components can affect the steering wheel, diagnosing the problem can be a little bit tricky. The following are some ways that you can narrow down the issue and understand the cause of your shaking steering wheel. 

The most common cause of a shaking steer wheel is the tires or wheels. Tire balance is vital to a steady vehicle and out of balance tires can cause shakiness, uneven tire wear, and more. Tire balance can be an issue if you notice that your steering wheel vibrates at high speeds or gets progressively worse the faster you drive. 

The wheel bearings can also be a culprit when it comes to a shaky steering wheel. Over time, wheel bearings tend to lose lubrication and can wear down, causing the wheel hub to loosen. This loose wheel can vibrate while driving, which can be felt in the steering wheel on some roads. 

The various components of the suspension system can also be at fault for a vibrating steering wheel. Incorrect wheel alignment can be a big factor in a shaky steering wheel, especially if you also notice that your vehicle tends to veer to one side. Additional components that can cause this issue include the tie roads, bushings shocks and struts, springs, and more. 

If you are experiencing a shaky steering wheel, the best way you can determine the issue is by bringing your vehicle to the experts here at Woodie's Auto Service & Repair Centers. We can perform a full visual inspection to determine the cause and help fix the issue for you. Give us a call or stop by our shop today!