Have a Shaking Steering Wheel? 4 Possible Reasons

It can be a little scary to feel your steering wheel start to shake when you are driving at high speeds. If your steering wheel has started to shake and give you feedback when you drive, you will need to get the issue fixed. There are multiple potential causes for a shaking steering wheel; your mechanic will have to inspect your car to determine what is the cause in your particular situation.

Reason #1: Out of Balance Wheels

One of the most common reasons your wheel starts to shake is that your wheels are out of balance. If your wheels are not perfectly balanced, they will shake and bounce around as they start to spin faster. This will translate into your steering wheel shaking. Often, out-of-balance wheels are only noticeable when you drive at high speeds, and you may notice the shaking changes at different speeds. This is a relatively easy fix. All you need to do is have your mechanic balance your tires, which is a relatively quick process and is something you should check yearly.

Reason #2: Suspension

Another reason why your steering wheel may start to shake is an issue with the suspension. Your suspension connects your steering systems to the wheels and to the car. As the suspension plays a vital role in connecting everything, an issue with the suspension can result in your wheel shaking.

Generally, a shaking steering wheel is the first sign of a suspension issue. Sometimes, you may hear strange sounds when you go over bumps before you feel the shaking in your steering wheel.

It is vitally important to fix your suspension if it is worn down or damaged. If left unattended for long enough, you will experience uneven tire wear, and eventually, you could also experience a total loss of steering.  

Reason #3: Axle

Another reason why your steering wheel could be vibrating is an issue with your axle. This is a less common cause of a shaking steering wheel. The first sign of a bad axle is generally a ticking sound with a steady rhythm when you are turning. Your axle can also get out of balance, just like your wheels, which can cause your steering wheel to shake. In that case, your axle will need to be rebalanced.

Reason #4: Wheel Bearings

Finally, the wheel bearings in your vehicle may be worn down. This is a more common issue in older vehicles or vehicles with high mileage, as the wheel bearing is designed to last for the standard life of a vehicle. If you have a younger vehicle and frequently hit the curb when you turn, that could also damage your wheel bearings.

If you have a shaking steering wheel, you can continue to drive for a while, but you really should get into the mechanic right away. The longer you wait, the worse the wear is going to be. You will also not have the handling that you should have, which isn't safe at all. Head to a Nissan repair shop for more assistance.