EXPLAINED: 5 Reasons Behind Shaky Steering Wheels When Driving

An undated photo of a man behind the wheel
An undated photo of a man behind the wheel
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Unbalanced wheels and faulty brakes are among the leading causes of shaky steering wheels when driving a car.

Shaky wheels make the car unstable and even hamper driving, especially in rough terrains or when cruising at high speed.

Motorists experiencing this problem are advised to seek an immediate diagnosis as it could easily lead to road carnages.

Why Steerings Vibrate When Driving

Individual driving through the night
Individual driving through the night
COURTESY

Unbalanced Wheels

Unequal distribution of tyre weight is the leading cause of unbalanced wheels. The car's steering wheel will vibrate when driving if the weight is unbalanced

If not balanced, it damages other parts, such as shocks and struts.

Brakes Issues

Brake rotors cause steering wheels to shake while driving. 

When a car's brake pads wear down, they can start to damage the rotors. Warped brake rotors can also cause a vibration of the steering wheel when pressing down on the brakes.

Non-Aligned Suspensions

Non-aligned suspension systems are also another cause of steering wheel vibration.

Loose suspension parts such as bushings, tie-rod ends and mounting hardware cause steering vibration, especially when negotiating a corner.

A vehicle driving along a highway.
A vehicle driving along a highway.
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Misaligned Tyres

Tyres which don't point in the same direction lead to steering wheel vibrations

Tyre misalignment can be caused by hitting a curb or pothole or simply due to wear and tear.

Non-Lubricated Bearings

Bad bearings and those that are not properly lubricated affect the driving process. 

Faulty bearings need to be fixed immediately as they allow wheels to rotate smoothly.

To avoid encountering the issue of shaky steering wheels, motorists are encouraged to take their cars for routine maintenance.