Your steering wheel shaking while driving can be caused by several common issues related to tires, brakes, or suspension. Here are the main reasons:
- Tire balance problems: Unbalanced tires cause vibrations that you feel in the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds. This is a frequent and straightforward cause, fixable by tire balancing service.
- Wheel alignment issues: Misaligned wheels result in uneven tire wear and cause shaking or pulling as the tires are not properly aligned with the road surface.
- Warped brake rotors: If your steering wheel shakes primarily when braking or slowing down, it could be due to warped brake rotors, which happen when brake surfaces become uneven from heat and wear.
- Wheel bearing or axle issues: Worn or damaged wheel bearings or bent axles can cause vibrations, notably when turning or driving at certain speeds.
- Loose or worn suspension or steering parts: Components like tie rod ends, ball joints, bushings, or shock absorbers that are loose or worn can cause instability and shaking in the steering wheel.
Checking and addressing these areas should solve the shaking issue. Tire balancing and alignment are good places to start, and if the shaking occurs on braking, inspecting the brake rotors is important. For shaking during turns or continuous shaking, have the wheel bearings and suspension parts inspected by a mechanic.
