Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

A shaking steering wheel can make for a distracting driving experience, and the underlying issue causing the vibration could lead to MOT failure.

This shaking sensation can be caused by several key components in your car, so you should never ignore it. If your car’s steering wheel is shaking, you must find and fix the problem as soon as possible.

4 Causes of a Shaking Steering Wheel

Worn Brakes

If your steering wheel shakes when you apply the brakes, then this could indicate that your brake pads or discs have worn out. You may also notice a vibration from the brake pedal.

As one of the most important components in your vehicle, it is essential that you have your brakes looked at by our expert garage in Otterbourne if you suspect they are not working correctly.

Imbalanced Tyres

Unbalanced wheels can cause wear and tear to the struts, shocks and other related steering and suspension components. Your wheels may be unbalanced if you notice a vibration in the steering wheel when travelling at higher speeds.

To determine if this is the cause of the shaking, make sure that your tyres are properly inflated. If the steering wheel continues to shake even after inflating the tyres to the appropriate PSI, then you need to have your vehicle looked at by a professional garage as soon as possible.

A skilled garage will balance the wheels for you, thereby distributing weight evenly across all of the tyres.

Misaligned Wheels

Misaligned wheels can be caused by driving over bumpy roads or potholes. If your wheels are misaligned, then your tyre tread may appear uneven and worn - more so on the inside than the outside.

You may also notice that even though the steering wheel is centred, the vehicle still pulls to the side. This indicates that you need to book in for wheel alignment as soon as possible.

Worn Steering or Suspension

As the steering and suspension are both connected to the wheels, a problem with your car’s shock absorbers or wider suspension system could be another cause of the shaking steering wheel.

Other issues such as the car pulling to the side and the vehicle dipping can signal that there is a problem that needs to be addressed by a professional garage in Otterbourne.

What to Do If You Notice a Shaking Steering Wheel

If you are concerned about a shaking steering wheel, you can book an appointment with Williams Garage to have the issue resolved. Our professional garage team will happily inspect your vehicle for you to determine the cause of the problem.

Whether you need to book in for wheel alignment or a brake replacement, our friendly team of expert technicians can perform any service quickly and efficiently. If you’ve noticed a shaking steering wheel, book an appointment at our garage in Otterbourne today.