Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

Here at Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint, our service center sometimes has customers who visit us saying “My steering wheel shakes,” uncertain of what’s causing the problem and what to do about it. First off, scheduling a service appointment is the right thing to do when your steering wheel is shaking because it’s not a problem that will resolve itself. Most often, misaligned tires are the reason why a steering wheel shakes, but there are other potential reasons that need to be ruled out. So if you’re asking yourself, “Why is my steering wheel shaking?”, read on for more information and don’t wait too long to get your vehicle into a repair shop near Chapel Hill.

5 Potential Reasons for a Shaking Steering Wheel

If you feel your steering wheel shaking or vibrating during trips to Raleigh, there are several potential reasons why the issue may be happening. Each possible cause is tied to other potential problems with your vehicle’s safety and performance, so it’s important that you get into a service center near Cary as soon as possible. In the meantime, let’s learn more about five common reasons why a steering wheel shakes:

• Unbalanced wheels: The weight distribution on your tires is important. If it’s off by even a small amount when the tires are installed, it can lead to road vibrations that you’ll feel through the steering wheel. This is most commonly seen in vehicles with lightweight suspension systems. If you don’t fix this problem promptly, you may face issues with the shocks, struts, and other steering components in the future.
• Misalignment: The positioning of the tires is as important as the weight balance. Driving over potholes, curbs, railroad tracks, and other obstacles too fast can throw off your vehicle’s alignment, which may cause the steering wheel to feel uncooperative when you’re trying to steer and turn. If misalignment is the problem, you might also experience uneven tread wear on the tires and feel your vehicle pulling significantly to one side.
• Bad bearings: When the bearings are damaged or lack lubrication, they create friction that can cause the steering wheel to feel shaky. You will likely only feel the steering wheel shaking when you turn the wheel. In mild cases, the bearings can be cleaned and the issue will be resolved. In worse cases when the bearings are damaged, they need to be replaced.
• Suspension issues: If the suspension system components are worn or loose, or if the driveshaft is off-balance, it might cause the steering wheel to shake.
• Brake problems: Do you only feel the steering wheel shaking when you use the brakes to slow down? This could be caused by worn brake pads or faulty discs. It’s critical to bring your vehicle in for service without delay, as brake issues can become a significant safety hazard.

Schedule Service at Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint

If you’re asking yourself, “My steering wheel shakes, what should I do?” the answer is to schedule service at Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint. Our service experts will diagnose and fix the problem in a timely manner, so you can get back to enjoying safe travels in Durham. Contact us with any additional questions and be sure to explore our current service specials to save on your vehicle’s repair costs.