Steering Wheel Shaking: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do
Steering wheel shaking is one of the most common warning signs drivers notice when something is wrong with their vehicle. Whether your steering wheel shakes at 60 mph, vibrates when braking at 40 mph, or shakes at high speeds on the motorway, these symptoms should never be ignored.
Steering wheel shaking is one of the most common warning signs drivers notice when something is wrong with their vehicle. Whether your steering wheel shakes at 60 mph, vibrates when braking at 40 mph, or shakes at high speeds on the motorway, these symptoms should never be ignored. Understanding why a steering wheel shakes when driving can help you stay safe and avoid costly repairs.
Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?
A steering wheel shaking issue usually means that a component connected to your wheels, brakes, or suspension is worn, damaged, or incorrectly balanced. The vibration may only appear at certain speeds, such as when the steering wheel shakes at 70 mph, or it may be present at all speeds.
Common patterns include steering wheel shakes at high speed, steering wheel shaking when braking, steering wheel shaking at low speed, and steering wheel shakes at all speeds. Each scenario often points to a different underlying cause.
What Causes Steering Wheel Shaking at High Speeds?
When a steering wheel shakes at high speeds, the most common causes are related to wheels and tyres. Unbalanced wheels can cause the steering wheel to shake at 60 mph or higher as centrifugal forces increase. Uneven tyre wear or damaged tyres can lead to steering wheel shaking that worsens with speed. Wheel alignment issues can also cause the steering wheel to shake when driving, especially on straight roads.
If your steering wheel shakes at 70 mph but feels fine at lower speeds, wheel balancing is usually the first thing to check.
Quick Check: Regularly check your tyre pressure and inspect for uneven wear patterns. Incorrect tyre pressure can contribute to steering wheel shaking and accelerate tyre wear.
Steering Wheel Shaking When Braking
Steering wheel shaking when braking is often linked to brake system problems. Warped brake discs are a leading cause of steering wheel shakes when braking at 40 mph or higher. Worn brake pads can create uneven pressure, leading to vibrations through the steering wheel. Sticking brake calipers may cause inconsistent braking force and steering wheel shaking.
If the steering wheel only shakes during braking, the issue is likely within the front braking system.
Related Issue: This is similar to car juddering when braking. Both symptoms often share the same root causes: warped discs, worn pads, or suspension wear.
Regular brake inspections and checking brake fluid levels can help identify issues before they cause steering wheel shaking.
Steering Wheel Shakes at Low Speeds
A steering wheel shaking at low speed usually points toward mechanical wear rather than balance issues. Worn suspension components such as ball joints or control arm bushes, damaged steering components like tie rods, or bent wheels from pothole impacts can all cause steering wheel shakes at low speeds.
This type of steering wheel shaking should be inspected quickly, as worn steering parts can worsen rapidly.
Steering Wheel Shakes at All Speeds
When a steering wheel shakes at all speeds, the problem may be more serious. Severely unbalanced or damaged tyres, loose wheel nuts, or failing wheel bearings can cause constant steering wheel shaking.
Continuous vibration can affect handling and braking performance, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Yes, steering wheel shaking can be dangerous. Vibrations can reduce steering control, increase stopping distances, and indicate parts that may fail completely. Steering wheel shaking at high speeds is especially risky and can increase the chance of losing control of the vehicle.
If you experience severe shaking, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
What Should I Do If My Steering Wheel Shakes?
If you experience steering wheel shaking, reduce your speed and avoid harsh braking. Check tyre pressures and look for visible tyre damage. Book a professional inspection as soon as possible to diagnose the cause.
Immediate Actions:
- Reduce speed to a safe level
- Check tyre pressure at the next safe opportunity
- Inspect tyres for visible damage or uneven wear
- Avoid motorway driving until inspected
- Book a professional inspection
Regular maintenance, including wheel balancing, alignment checks, and brake inspections, can prevent most steering wheel shaking issues. Keeping accurate records of all maintenance and repairs in your digital service history helps garages identify patterns and diagnose recurring issues faster.
Final Thoughts
Steering wheel shaking is never something to ignore. Whether your steering wheel shakes at 60 mph, vibrates when braking, or shakes at high speeds, identifying the cause early can save money and improve safety.
Keeping accurate service records and addressing issues promptly helps ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable. Document all inspections, repairs, and component replacements to track patterns and maintain your vehicle's value.
You should book an inspection immediately if:
- Steering wheel shaking is severe or worsening
- Vibration occurs at all speeds
- You notice unusual noises along with shaking
- The shaking appeared suddenly after hitting a pothole or curb
- Braking feels unsafe or inconsistent
Early diagnosis prevents further damage and reduces repair costs.