Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Drive?

Driving is a smooth and comfortable experience when everything works as it should. However, when you start to notice your steering wheel shaking while driving, it can be a cause for concern. This article will explore the various reasons why your steering wheel may shake when you drive and discuss possible solutions to address the issue.

Common Causes of Steering Wheel Shaking

Wheel Imbalance: One of the most common reasons for a shaking steering wheel is wheel imbalance. Over time, the weight distribution of your wheels may become uneven, causing vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel. Imbalanced wheels can occur due to various factors such as wheel damage, improper installation, or simply wear and tear. To fix this issue, a professional mechanic can rebalance your wheels by redistributing the weights or replacing any damaged wheels.

Imbalanced wheels can lead to uneven tire wear and reduced tire life.
It can also cause premature suspension component wear, leading to additional expenses.
Regular wheel balancing helps maintain a smooth and comfortable ride while minimizing stress on other vehicle components.

Tire Problems: Another common culprit behind a shaking steering wheel is tire-related issues. Uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or misalignment can all contribute to vibrations that manifest through the steering wheel. Regular tire maintenance, including proper inflation, rotation, and alignment, can help prevent these problems. If the tread on your tires is uneven or worn out, it may be necessary to replace them.

Uneven tire wear can result from misaligned wheels, suspension issues, or improper tire rotation.
Low tire pressure can cause the tire to flex more, leading to increased wear and vibrations.
Regular tire rotations help ensure even wear and prolong tire life.
Proper wheel alignment ensures that the tires make optimal contact with the road, minimizing vibrations and promoting even tire wear.

Brake Rotors: Worn-out or damaged brake rotors can also lead to a shaking steering wheel. When the brake rotors become warped or uneven, it causes the brakes to grab unevenly, resulting in vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheel. If you suspect that your brake rotors are causing the issue, it is advisable to have a professional inspect and potentially replace them to ensure your safety on the road.

Brake rotors can become warped due to excessive heat build-up during braking or prolonged heavy braking.
Uneven brake rotor surfaces can lead to uneven brake pad contact, resulting in vibrations.
Regular brake system inspections can help identify early signs of brake rotor wear and prevent potential issues.
Brake rotor resurfacing or replacement restores proper braking performance and eliminates steering wheel shaking caused by brake issues.

Suspension Issues: Faulty suspension components can contribute to steering wheel shaking. Worn-out shocks or struts, as well as damaged control arms or bushings, can cause vibrations to travel up to the steering wheel, making it shake. Regular inspections and maintenance of your suspension system can help identify and address any issues before they affect your steering wheel’s smooth operation.

Worn-out shocks or struts lose their ability to dampen vibrations, resulting in increased steering wheel shaking.
Damaged control arms or bushings can cause excessive movement in the suspension system, leading to vibrations in the steering wheel.
Regular suspension system inspections help identify worn or damaged components, allowing for timely repairs or replacements.
Properly functioning suspension components ensure a comfortable ride and minimize steering wheel vibrations.

Wheel Bearings: Faulty wheel bearings can also be a potential cause of a shaking steering wheel. When the wheel bearings wear out or become damaged, they can create an imbalance that leads to vibrations in the steering wheel. Replacing the worn-out wheel bearings is essential for maintaining a smooth and safe driving experience.

Wheel bearings support the weight of the vehicle and allow the wheels to rotate smoothly.
Worn-out or damaged wheel bearings can cause excessive play in the wheels, resulting in vibrations.
Regular inspection and maintenance of wheel bearings can help identify early signs of wear and prevent further damage.
Timely replacement of worn-out wheel bearings ensures proper wheel alignment and minimizes steering wheel shaking.

Steps to Address Steering Wheel Shaking

Regular Maintenance: Implementing a regular maintenance routine for your vehicle is crucial in preventing many of the issues that can cause a shaking steering wheel. This includes regular tire rotations, alignments, and inspections of your suspension system. Additionally, having your wheels balanced at recommended intervals can help keep vibrations at bay.

Regular tire rotations promote even tire wear and extend tire life.
Proper wheel alignment ensures optimal tire contact with the road, minimizing vibrations.
Regular suspension system inspections help identify and address potential issues before they lead to steering wheel shaking.
Scheduled wheel balancing maintains a balanced weight distribution, reducing vibrations.

Professional Inspection: If you notice persistent steering wheel shaking, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. They can perform a thorough diagnosis to identify the exact cause of the issue. Their expertise will enable them to accurately pinpoint the problem and guide you through the necessary repairs or replacements.

Professional mechanics have the knowledge and experience to diagnose complex issues causing steering wheel shaking.
Through comprehensive inspections, they can identify underlying problems that may not be immediately apparent.
Their expertise ensures accurate diagnosis and proper solutions, saving you time and money in the long run.

Wheel Balancing: If an imbalance is detected during the inspection, the mechanic will rebalance your wheels by redistributing weights. This process ensures that the weight distribution on each wheel is even, minimizing vibrations and restoring a smoother driving experience.

Wheel balancing involves adding small weights to the wheel rim to counterbalance any weight discrepancies.
Precise wheel balancing eliminates vibrations caused by uneven weight distribution, enhancing overall driving comfort and stability.
Regular wheel balancing is essential to counteract the effects of normal wear and tear and maintain a balanced weight distribution.

Tire Replacement: If the inspection reveals uneven tire wear or damage, replacing the tires might be necessary. New tires with even tread wear will help eliminate vibrations and provide better handling and stability on the road.

Uneven tire wear indicates improper weight distribution, misalignment, or suspension issues.
Damaged tires can cause irregularities in tire rotation, leading to vibrations.
New tires with even tread wear ensure optimal grip, reduce vibrations, and enhance overall driving performance.

Brake Rotor Resurfacing or Replacement: In the case of worn-out or damaged brake rotors, resurfacing may be an option if the condition allows. However, if the rotors are beyond repair, they should be replaced to ensure safe and effective braking performance.

Brake rotor resurfacing involves removing a thin layer of the rotor’s surface to eliminate minor imperfections and restore smooth operation.
If the brake rotors are severely warped or damaged, replacement is necessary to maintain proper braking performance and eliminate vibrations.
Properly functioning brake rotors ensure safe and reliable braking, contributing to a smoother driving experience.

Suspension Repairs: If the steering wheel shaking is attributed to faulty suspension components, such as shocks, struts, control arms, or bushings, the mechanic will recommend the necessary repairs or replacements. Addressing these issues promptly will help restore the smooth operation of your steering wheel.

Worn-out shocks or struts can be replaced to restore proper suspension damping, minimizing vibrations transmitted to the steering wheel.
Damaged control arms or bushings require replacement to maintain proper suspension geometry and reduce steering wheel shaking.
Timely suspension repairs ensure a comfortable and stable ride while minimizing the risk of further damage to other vehicle components.

Remember, while some causes of a shaking steering wheel can be resolved through regular maintenance, others may require professional intervention. If you are unsure about the cause or unable to address the issue on your own, it is always best to seek the help of a qualified mechanic.

By addressing any steering wheel shaking promptly, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. Regular maintenance, inspections, and necessary repairs will not only enhance your vehicle’s performance but also contribute to your overall safety on the road.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

It can be very alarming if your steering wheel starts to shake when you are driving. Here’s what you need to know about what causes it, and what you should do if it happens to you in a rental car.

What Causes a Steering Wheel to Shake

A shaking steering wheel typically has little to do with the wheel itself, and signifies a bigger problem with another part of the car. There are several possible causes for the problem, and often a mechanic is needed to pinpoint the exact issue.

A steering wheel might shake due to a number of reasons, including unbalanced tires, wheels, axles, engines or brakes. If the shaking is happening specifically when the car is braking, it could have to do with worn-out brake rotors, brake pads or brake calipers.

What to Do When Your Rental Car’s Steering Wheel Shakes

If you own a vehicle with a shaking steering wheel, you would take it to a local repair shop. When it happens in a rental car, you might wonder if you should call roadside assistance or just try to enjoy your vacation despite the problem and handle it when you return?

Don’t panic.

If your steering wheel is shaking in your rental car, don’t panic. This problem doesn’t necessarily mean the car will break down, but it is something you’ll want to deal with sooner rather than later. Any time you face a mechanical issue it’s best to notify the rental car company as soon as possible. Not only is it the safest thing to do, but documenting the incident will help you avoid any potential charges later on and potential bigger issues like breakdowns.

Swap your car if possible.

If you notice a shaking steering wheel immediately after you drive a rental car off the lot, it’s a good idea to turn right back around and ask for another car. Drivers are often not at fault for issues that appear to pop up out of the blue (as opposed to after an accident or, say, forgetting to turn off a car’s dome light). The rental car company typically covers the cost in those situations, but returning the car immediately helps strengthen the case for it being a mechanical issue out of your control. Getting a new vehicle also lessens the chance of having to take drastic measures, like having to call a tow truck.

Call the rental company.

But what if you notice a shaking steering wheel only after hitting the highway, and can’t easily return to the original rental location? In this case, the best bet is to give the rental car company a call to walk you through your options for handling the situation. Many larger rental car companies offer 24-hour roadside assistance. Looping in the rental car company about the issue can help avoid problems down the line with your bill and will give you directions to follow for how to handle the specific situation. If you need roadside assistance, AAA and AARP also provide it.

So, if you find yourself behind a shaking steering wheel, don’t panic. Call the rental car company and ask for advice about the best options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of steering wheel shaking?

Wheel imbalance, tire problems, brake rotors, suspension issues, and faulty wheel bearings are common causes of steering wheel shaking.

How can I address steering wheel shaking?

Implement regular maintenance, such as tire rotations, alignments, and suspension system inspections.
Have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to accurately diagnose the problem.
If an imbalance is detected, have your wheels rebalanced by a mechanic.
Replace tires if there is uneven wear or damage.
Consider resurfacing or replacing brake rotors if necessary.
Repair or replace faulty suspension components.

Why is wheel balancing important?

Wheel balancing ensures even weight distribution on each wheel, reducing vibrations and providing a smoother driving experience.

When should I seek professional help for the steering wheel shaking?

If you notice persistent steering wheel shaking, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic for accurate diagnosis and necessary repairs or replacements.

Which rental car company has the most locations?

Hertz would have been an answer, but they aren’t listed as a service provider that is location-based.

Do you need a car for Europe?

Your best solution depends on where you live and what you want to do. A typical European city might have different priorities from a rural area.

Consider how long you intend to stay in each place. If you’re planning to move around frequently, then an economical car may not suit you as well as if you are going to settle in one place for a while.

Renting a car is usually more affordable than buying a second-hand vehicle. It is often cheaper to buy a used car than rent one in Europe. For example, you can save money on fuel and parking fees, maintenance costs and insurance.

Another advantage is that you can drive safely knowing you own the car.

There are some excellent websites out there that give information about car rentals in Europe. Check out our recommendations.

Which is the best road trip across Europe?

The best road trips are those where you have time to stop off at interesting places along the way rather than just drive from A to B as quickly as possible.

While there are many roads across Europe, few roads are as spectacular as the one between Venice and Dubrovnik.

The majority of the trip will take you through breathtaking scenery. You can stop at many points along the way to see all of it.

Highlights include Torcello and Lido di Jesolo at Lake Garda, Northern Italy’s Dolomites & Lake Como, as well the Walled Medieval City of Carcassonne.

How much is a rental car per day in Europe?

We don’t know for sure but think it is between $100 – $200 daily.

We recommend you rent for at least two days as there are many sights and activities to do.

Consider buying a vehicle with a price range of $2000-$3000 for those who plan to stay longer.

This way you could travel around Europe for free.

It’s also worth looking into whether your credit card company offers any rental discounts.

What is the best way to rent a car in another country.

A rental agency like Europcar, Avis or Hertz is the best way to accomplish this. These agencies offer services for both short-term rentals, and long-term leases.

They offer customer service seven days a week, 24 hours a year.

You don’t need to have any prior experience when renting from them. They can arrange insurance and breakdown cover. All you have to do is know where to find them and when they will be there.

What is required to rent an automobile in Europe?

You can find a cheap rental car in Europe by visiting several websites like Alamo, Sixt and Europcar. Online booking is also an option.

Before renting a vehicle from us, you need to ensure that you have all information.

Your full name and any middle names, if applicable
The address at which you are staying
Date, time & place of pickup
The vehicle to be rented must match the make and model.
Name of insurance company and policy number
Requests for extra equipment
Details about the rental agreement (e.g. rate, duration, deposit, balance due after trip, excess charges and limits of liability. Cancellation penalties.
Payment method(s), credit card, debit card cash, personal cheque or cash

After you have collected the above information, it is possible to book your vehicle through one of those companies.

Is it possible to rent a car in Europe and then return it?

A way to make travel more convenient is to rent cars in multiple countries, but have them returned from the country they were rented.

However, this idea might not be very practical because people don’t want to pay for extra mileage. Rent-a-car agencies usually charge a lot more to return the vehicle to a place other than where it was rented.

If you don’t plan to travel often, it might be better not to choose one country.

Statistics

American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day’s trip cost. (insider.com)
In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)

External Links

How To

How to get the best price on a rental car

Here are some tips to help you get the best deal for your rental car

You can use comparison websites such Kayak, Expedia, and Hotwire. This allows you to access their tools and data. We can also use the data of previous users who have booked through these websites, which will help us avoid hidden fees. (Kayak)
If you’re booking online, try to find out if any additional fee is added before the payment process starts. (Expedia)
Book early! Book early. The lower the prices, the earlier you book. (Kayak). Don’t forget that airfares are often more affordable at the last minute.
Make sure you are able to fit your travel plans and budget when choosing a car. (eBay)
Verify the insurance coverage. Some companies offer free insurance when renting cars under 25 years old. (Insurance Panda)
Make sure you know what type of contract your reservation will require before making any bookings. A long-term contract is preferred by most people because they know exactly what it will cost. (MileageIQ)
Request a high credit score if possible. Car Insurance Guide: Low credit scores may increase the cost of auto insurance.
If you don’t really require it, avoid paying extras like GPS or roadside assistance. These extra charges may not be available at all rental agencies. (Kayak) 9. (Kayak) 9. Ask your agent if the extended warranty applies to other areas where you intend to rent the car. This could save you some money.
Make sure you read all terms and conditions of the rental agreement. You could end up paying extra for something you didn’t mention in negotiations. (Expedia). Be sure to carefully read and understand the terms.

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