Occasional vibrations in the steering wheel are normal occurrences. Especially if you are driving on bad or bumpy roads.
However, if you find that your steering wheel vibrates and shakes regardless of whether you’re driving at high speed or low speed, then there is a problem.
The reason why this could be happening might be due to a damaged or worn out component in the car or it could be an issue with your tires or car engine.
The only way to know is to have it checked up. Ignoring the issue could lead to further damage of the steering, the car tires, and possibly even your car engine.
5 Common Reasons Why Your Car Steering Shakes at Low and High Speeds
There are a number of reasons why your car’s steering wheel could be shaking or vibrating at low and high speeds. Here are five of the most common reasons:
- Unbalanced Tires
One of the most common reasons for the steering wheel to shake is when you drive on unbalanced tires.
- The tires may be low on air-pressure or one or more tires might have worn out tire treads.
- If this is the case, then your car tires will not be balanced when they come into contact with the road.
- Because the job of the steering wheel is to control the direction of the wheels, if your tires are unbalanced or if they display uneven tread wear then this can lead to the steering wheel shaking when driving either at low speeds or high speeds.
- Issues with the Wheels
- Wheel bearings tend to suffer wear with time. Which is why if your steering wheel is shaking, you might want to check the wheel bearings to rule out a problem.
- Another area that you should inspect are the ball joints and tie rod ends. If you find that your steering wheel shakes while navigating a turn, then it could be due to bad tie rod ends.
- If, however, you find that the steering shakes only when you are driving straight, then there could be a possible issue with the ball joints.
The best way to ascertain where the problem lies is to have a professional car technician examine your car.
- Issues with the Brake
Bad brakes is another possible factor for the steering of a car to shake when driving.
- If you find that your steering wheel tends to shake the most when you step on the brake pedal, it could be due to worn out rotors.
- It is best to also have the brake caliper checked out since it can lead to the steering shaking – this is especially true for older car models.
- Any issues with the brake should not be ignored since it concerns your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.
- Axle Damage
Any kind of damage to the axle can lead to the steering of a car vibrating or shaking. This is most prominent if the car has sustained damage in an accident. Now, if the axle is either bent or damaged it could lead to the steering wheel shaking while driving at both low speeds as well as high speeds.
If there is substantial damage to the driveshaft or if it is broken, then you might find that your car steering wheel jerks or moves abruptly to the left or right randomly and by itself.
- Engine Problems
Engine trouble or damage can also lead to the steering shaking or vibrating at both low and high speeds.
In fact, the first sign that you could be looking at some kind of engine trouble is when your steering wheel shakes or vibrates even when driving on smooth, even roads.
If left unchecked, over a period of time, you will find that not just your steering wheel, but the entire car starts to shake.
There are multiple reasons why this could be happening, ranging from something simple to a serious issue. As mentioned above, the only way to find out is by having your car checked by a professional car service.
Meridian Automotive – Professional car repair service you can trust!
Does your steering wheel shake while driving at low or high speeds? Or are you look for a reliable service center for your car? If yes, connect with us today. Give Meridian Automotive a call at 2085349206 or schedule an online appointment at a convenient time.
