Driving at high speeds can be exhilarating and fun, but when your steering wheel starts shaking uncontrollably, it can quickly turn into a terrifying experience.
Not only is it unsettling to feel your car shaking, but it can also be dangerous if left unaddressed.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 12 most common causes of steering wheel shake at high speeds and what you can do to fix them.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake at High Speed?
The following are the 12 reasons why my steering wheel shakes at high speed:
- Imbalance Tire
- Misaligned Wheels
- Loose Lug Nuts
- Worn Wheel Bearings
- Loose Steering Components
- Worn Out Engine Component
- Worn or Underinflated Tires
- Worn Drive Shaft
- Worn Out Brake Components
- Worn Suspension Components
- Worn Axle Components
- Road Conditions
Imbalance Tire
One of the most common causes of steering wheel shake at high speeds is an imbalance in your tires.
This occurs when one tire is heavier than the others or when the weight is distributed unevenly across your tires.
As a result, your steering wheel may shake, vibrate, or wobble.
The best way to fix tire balance issues is to have your tires balanced by a professional.
This involves using a special machine to measure the weight distribution of each tire and adding weights to balance them out.
Misaligned Wheels
If your car's wheels are not aligned properly, it can cause the steering wheel to shake, particularly at high speeds.
Misaligned wheels can also cause your tires to wear unevenly, which can lead to other issues down the line.
To get this problem fixed, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible who will adjust the angle of your wheels so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground.
Loose Lug Nuts
Wheel lug nuts are used to attach the wheels to the hub of the vehicle.
If your lug nuts are loose, it can cause your wheel to wobble or shake, which can then cause your steering wheel to shake as well.
This can be a dangerous issue, as loose lug nuts can cause your wheel to come off while you're driving.
To resolve this issue, make sure to tighten your lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
If you're not sure how tight they should be, consult your car's owner's manual or a professional mechanic.
Worn Wheel Bearings
If your wheel bearings are worn or damaged, it can cause your steering wheel to shake at high speeds.
Wheel bearings are the parts that allow your wheels to spin freely on your car's axles, and when they're not working properly, they can cause your wheels to wobble or shake.
If the wobble is happening due to the wheel bearing, then give it proper lubrication, if it is completely damaged then it would be appropriate to replace it.
Loose Steering Components
If any of the components in your car's steering system are loose or worn, it can cause your steering wheel to shake at high speeds.
This can include things like the tie rod ends, ball joints, or steering rack.
To fix this issue the steering system should be checked by a professional mechanic.
They can diagnose the issue and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
Worn Out Engine Component
The engine is the heart of your car, responsible for converting fuel into energy to power the vehicle.
Worn-out or damaged engine mounts, timing belts, or chains can cause the engine to vibrate excessively, leading to shaking and rattling especially when the engine is turned on, which can then cause your steering wheel to shake as well.
A misfiring engine is also one of the causes of the steering wheel shaking. During misfiring one or more cylinders are not firing properly, which can also cause poor acceleration and decreased fuel efficiency.
To rule out these problems, get a compression test, engine mount, visual inspection of the timing belt or chain, and also check the engine's sensors and computer systems.
Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and other fluids as recommended by the manufacturer, can help prevent engine problems and keep the engine running smoothly.
Worn or Underinflated Tires
If your tires are old or worn out, they can cause your steering wheel to shake at high speeds.
As tires age, they can become unevenly worn, which can cause them to vibrate or wobble as you drive.
When the tire is worn out, it is advisable to replace it. Also, be sure to choose tires that are the right size and type for your car.
If your car's tires are not properly inflated, it can also cause your steering wheel to shake at high or low speeds.
This is because underinflated tires can create a wobbling motion that can be felt in the steering wheel.
That's why check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.
This information can be found in your car's owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb.
Worn Drive Shaft
If your car's drive shaft is worn or damaged, it can cause your steering wheel to shake at high speeds.
The drive shaft is the component that connects the transmission to the rear wheels of a rear-wheel drive car or the front wheels of a front-wheel drive car.
If you have a problem with your drive shaft, it's best to take it to a professional mechanic.
Worn Out Brake Components
Worn or damaged brake components, such as brake rotors, brake pads, or calipers, can cause uneven braking and lead to vibrations and shaking.
Warped brake rotors are a common cause of this issue, as they can cause the steering wheel to vibrate when the brakes are applied.
To diagnose brake problems, take your car to a mechanic who will inspect the brake system including brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid, and fix any components that have issues.
They may also perform a brake system flush to remove any air or moisture in the system that can affect brake performance.
Worn Suspension Components
The suspension system is responsible for providing a smooth ride and keeping the car stable and level on the road.
Worn or damaged suspension components, such as shocks, struts, and springs, can cause your steering wheel to shake.
To diagnose suspension problems, a professional mechanic can perform a thorough inspection of the suspension system, including the shocks, struts, springs, and other components.
Regular suspension maintenance, such as replacing worn or damaged components as recommended by the manufacturer, can help prevent suspension problems and ensure a smooth ride.
Worn Axle Components
An axle is a crucial component of the drivetrain system, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels.
Worn or damaged axle components, such as the CV joint, can cause a car's steering wheel to shake.
Also, the worn axle causes difficulty in steering while turning.
To diagnose axle problems, a professional mechanic can perform a thorough inspection of the axle and drivetrain system, including the CV joints and other components.
They may also perform a test drive to identify any shaking or vibrations and pinpoint the source of the issue.
Road Conditions
Finally, sometimes the cause of your steering wheel shaking at high speeds is simply the road conditions.
Bumpy or uneven roads can cause your car to vibrate or shake, which can be felt in your steering wheel.
Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to fix this issue. The best solution is to drive carefully and avoid roads that are in poor condition.
Also Read:
11 Causes Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Brake
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're experiencing steering wheel shake at high speeds, it's important to have your car checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
By addressing the underlying cause of the issue, you can prevent further damage to your car and ensure your safety on the road.
Ultimately, if you're experiencing steering wheel shake at high speeds, don't ignore it.
Get your car checked out by a professional mechanic to ensure your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.