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Diagnosing a Shaking Steering Wheel

Diagnosing a Shaking Steering Wheel

Diagnosing A Shaking Steering Wheel

Steering wheel shimmy, jiggle, or shake can be linked to several different problems and sometimes more than one. It does one good to note that cars are made up of thousands of interconnecting parts – some estimate there are over 30,000 parts in the average vehicle – and is a dynamic beast, which can complicate diagnosis.

n general, steering wheel shimmy refers to visible or tactile steering wheel shake. Depending on the severity and type of shake, you might be able to see it in your hands or even see it if you loosen your grip on the steering wheel. Paying close attention to how and when steering wheel shimmy occurs will help you to narrow down the cause.

So let’s help narrow down the possible issues, shall we?

Shaking Steering Wheel Causes

  • Possible Tyre or Wheel Issues

Tyre Balance: This is probably the most common cause of steering wheel shake, and perhaps the most easily-remedied. Dynamic tyre and wheel balance relates to how the mass of the tyre and wheel assembly is distributed and how it reacts when spinning. Tyre and wheel manufacturing typically results in a small amount of unbalance, which manifests itself as a vibration.

  • Possible Brake, Suspension or Steering Issues

Brake Shake: If steering wheel shimmy only occurs when applying the brakes, it’s quite likely related to the brake system, usually “warped” rotors. Brakes may also be involved if they are dragging, always partially applied due to a mechanical or hydraulic fault.

New brake rotors may solve the problem, or an on-car brake lathe can machine the brake rotors true to the wheel hub and wheel. Inspect your brakes, especially checking that caliper sliders and pads move freely, eliminating brake drag. This sometimes happens in the rear when drivers forget to fully disengage, or at all, the parking brake or emergency brake.

Worn or Loose Parts: Worn or loose suspension components can multiply the effect of any single inconsistency in tire balance or braking efficiency. Worn or leaking shock absorbers may allow for excessive bounce after road bumps.

Check over the suspension and steering system for loose components, such as upper or lower ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arms, or bushings. Bounce-test the shocks at each corner of the vehicle. Replace worn or loose components.

  • A possible combination of issues

Combination problems can complicate diagnosis. One common combination problem is a worn joint or shock absorber leading to cupped or scalloped tire wear. “Obviously,” the cupped tyre is causing the steering wheel shimmy, but simply replacing the tire won’t solve the problem for very long. Replacing the joint or shock and the tyre will solve the problem permanently.

 

Something else may cause steering wheel shimmy. Common problems include the Jeep “Death Wobble,” caused by loose steering and suspension components, and older Volvo 240 shimmy caused by worn front track bar bushings. Lexus cars with certain low-profile tires would suffer steering wheel shimmy in cold weather, which would mysteriously disappear once the tires warmed up – tires would develop flat spots, sitting overnight in the cold.

There are dozens of similar problems common to different YMMs (year, make, model). In this case, it’s time to tune in to an enthusiast forum for your YMM, look for a trusted technician who specializes in your vehicle, or head to a dealer service center.

Looking at how complex the steering, suspension, brake, tire, and wheel system is, it’s easy to see how faults and inconsistencies can lead to noticeable problems. Other vibrations can have similar causes, related to wheels, tires, brakes, or suspension. You might feel this kind of vibration in the seats or center console, but you won’t feel it in the steering wheel. Diagnosis and repair is similar, but because it’s not felt in the steering wheel, you can typically rule out problems in the front of the vehicle.

 

Why not get in touch with us today for a competitive and quality quote on having your brakes assessed a possible cause of steering shake?

Related Tags: Clutch and Brake Specialist

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