We’ve all driven down a rough road and experienced some shaking in our vehicle’s steering wheel – but what does it mean if this happens even when you’re on a smooth road? There are many things that can make your steering wheel shake while you’re driving. Not only can it make for an uncomfortable drive, but it is also a sign that something on your vehicle needs repairing sooner rather than later.
There are a few different maintenance issues that can cause steering wheel shake. Here are the top six most common issues that our technicians diagnose when customers have a shaking steering wheel.
Your Tires Are Out of Balance
When tires are properly balanced, they all rotate at the same speed. Many drivers think that this task only needs to be done when you have new tires installed. But, over time, things like rough roads and seasonal temperature changes can put one or more tires out of balance. We recommend having your tires balanced every 10,000 to 12,000 miles to help prevent tire balance issues.
Your Vehicle Alignment is Off
Much like tire balancing, most people only worry about their vehicle alignment when they get new tires. Yet the same rough roads that can put tires out of balance can also affect your alignment. When this happens, one or more of your tires doesn’t sit flat on the pavement and is instead at an angle that is often small enough that you can’t with your eyes. Even a slight angle can cause issues like uneven tire wear and steering wheel shaking.
Your Brake Rotors Are Warped
Brake rotors are the smooth surface that your brakes are pressed against to help slow your vehicle. Over time, the heat produced by this friction can warp your rotors, especially if you let your brake pads get worn too thin. If your steering wheel only shakes when you are braking, your rotors are the most likely culprit.
You Have a Stuck Brake Caliper
A less common but still possible issue that can make your steering wheel shake is a stuck brake caliper. These components hold your brake pad in place and lower them when you press your brake pedal. Sometimes, calipers become worn or contaminated with dirt, which can cause them to stick, leaving your brake pad close to or against your rotor even when you aren’t using your brakes.
Your Wheel Bearings Are Bad
Another less common possibility for a shaking steering wheel is bad bearings. Typically, these parts last for a very long time, so we usually only see this maintenance task for older vehicles. If, however, you have a truck or SUV you regularly drive over curbs or take offroad, wheel bearings can wear more quickly than usual and cause issues like steering wheel shaking.
Your Suspension is Worn
There are multiple components that make up the suspension on your vehicle, including shocks or struts, bushings, joints, and more. Many of these last for tens of thousands of miles and thus don’t have to be replaced very often. But when they do wear out, they can cause all sorts of different issues, one of which is a shaking steering wheel. If you’re also experiencing a rough ride, have difficulty steering, or hear strange noises when you go over bumps or potholes, your suspension system likely needs repairs.
Jiffy Lube® Can Diagnose Why Your Steering Wheel is Shaking
At your neighborhood Jiffy Lube®, our highly trained technicians know exactly how to inspect your vehicle for steering wheel issues. Stop by anytime, and our team will do a thorough inspection to diagnose what is causing this issue with your vehicle. Once they’ve pinpointed the issue, you’ll get a quote for any repairs needed before the work is done. This way, you’ll know exactly what our highly trained technicians are going to do to help solve this issue for you so that you can get back on the road and driving comfortably.
Jiffy Lube® recommends following manufacturer recommendations, where applicable, for maintenance schedules and service intervals.
Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center for specific services offered.
Go to ChicagolandJiffyLube.com for services and locations in Chicagoland, Rockford, Northwest Indiana and Southeast Wisconsin.
Jiffy Lube® Service Centers are owned and operated by independent franchisees.