Uneven roads or troubles with the steering wheel: Which is it? And, why does my steering wheel shake at high speeds? You might be thinking to yourself.
If you notice your steering wheel shaking, the culprit could be the roads. Or, something more sinister (but hopefully not).
Pine Aire Truck here. Truck drivers: If you’ve ever wondered why your steering wheel shakes at high speeds, we’ve got answers.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most common reasons steering wheels shake at high speeds, what you can do about them, and what your options are for fixing them. Buckle up, because here’s what you need to know to take control of a shaky steering wheel.
6 Common causes of steering wheel shaking
Most of the time, steering wheels shake because of internal issues within a truck. The roads aren’t to blame.
The six most common reasons for shaky steering wheels include:
| 1. Driving components are worn down 2. Tires are worn more than usual 3. Tires aren’t balanced properly 4. Suspension components are old or need replacing 5. Suspension is out of alignment 6. Brake rotors are corroded or run down |
We’ll explore each in the coming sections.
1. Worn-down transmission or wheel components
Worn-down driveline components, the parts of your vehicle that transfer power from the transmission to the tires through axles, axle shafts, and drive shafts, can cause a shaky steering wheel. When damage to these components occurs, you might experience any of the following warning signs:
- Vibration at higher speeds coming from the axles
- Clicking from various axles
- Audible growling coming from wheel bearings
If you notice any of the above warning signs, a simple way to resolve the issue is by replacing worn and damaged components with high-quality parts. Often, you’ll need to replace bearings, boots, and, if needed, select engine fluids.
2. Tire wear and tear
Another factor that causes steering wheel vibrations is worn tires. Tire wear and tear, whether due to improper alignment, pressure, or suspension settings, can lead to a truck riding without consistent contact with the road. The result is a vibrating vehicle.
What’s more, the vibration increases as you increase speed, particularly when driving at highway speeds. Common tire wear-and-tear issues include saw-tooth-like wear across tread ribs, deep scoops caused by suspension issues, and excessive wear on tire tread.
The most efficient way to fix worn-out tires is to replace them. But before you do, check your tire to ensure it’s equipped with the correct tire pressure, suspension alignment, and wheel alignment.
The above-mentioned bad actors can also play a role in the amount of wear and tear your tires experience. Finally, as a proactive measure, ensure you rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to correct for uneven tire wear and tear.
Doing so will prevent excessive wear and tear and help extend the life of your truck’s tires.
3. Unbalanced tires
In an ideal situation, when driving, most of the weight of your vehicle should be distributed evenly across all tires. If one or more tires are unbalanced, when driving at higher speeds, you may experience increased vibration and shaking.
The best way to resolve this issue is by calling a truck repair team to place your truck on an assembly and add small weights to the wheels to help balance your tire assembly.
4. Worn or messed-up suspension components
Parts like ball joints, control arms, tie rods, and bushings — essential components of the suspension system — are crucial to keeping a steering wheel from shaking. Symptoms of worn suspension components include:
- Uneven tire wear
- Shaking at high speeds
- Clunking noises
- Strange steering responses
The way to fix messed-up suspension components is by conducting a professional wheel alignment and replacing damaged suspension components within the vehicle. What’s more, upgrading to heavy-duty steering components, stabilizers, and kits can help improve the durability and utility of your suspension system.
5. Misaligned suspension
Another way of understanding the issue of a shaky steering wheel is by looking at the alignment of a suspension system. A misaligned suspension makes the steering wheel shake.
When measurements are off, the misalignment that occurs can cause uneven tire wear, instability with handling the vehicle, and steering wheel vibrations at high speeds. Unfortunately, misalignment can happen anywhere, and often right after high-impact situations.
For example, when hitting potholes, curbs, or large chunks of debris, misalignment can occur. Nevertheless, frequent suspicion checks and regular tire inspections can help improve your driving experience by cutting down on expensive repairs and catching alignment issues before they cause greater damage to your truck.
6. Warped brake rotors due to excessive heat
Brake rotors’ jobs are to work with brake pads and calipers to help stop a vehicle and create a smoother driving experience. A common cause of steering wheel shaking can therefore stem from excessive heat to brake rotors.
When brake rotors become excessively hot, they result in uneven contact and vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheel. Generally, you’ll feel your steering wheel shaking when driving and braking at higher speeds.
A few common solutions exist:
- Replacing warped rotors
- Resurfacing the rotors
- Replacing brake rotors and brake pads at the same time
If deciding to replace your brake rotors, make sure you also replace the brake pads, as uneven wear on one brake pad can affect your new rotors, causing further damage.
How to fix a steering wheel that shakes
To fix a steering wheel that shakes, we always recommend looking at four common systems under and within a truck:
- Suspension system
- Tires
- Brake rotors
- Transmission
Whether your truck needs transmission service or hydraulic system repair work, one of the most efficient and reliable ways to fix components that lead to a shaking steering wheel is diagnosing the problem early and bringing it to a reliable diesel truck repair shop.
A diesel truck repair shop has the skills, knowledge, technology, training, and experience to identify whether the slight vibrations or pulsing sensations in your vehicle call for a parts replacement or an entire system overhaul. In the case of a shaking steering wheel, you don’t want to mess around.
Consider protecting yourself and other drivers on the road by calling a reputable diesel mechanic to troubleshoot your truck.
Did you know?
Did you know that a quick pre-trip inspection can help you catch steering wheel issues before you even hit the road? Learn how a daily pre-trip inspection can help you better identify areas for concern on your truck and those that need immediate attention
👉🏼Check out how to do a daily pre-trip inspection here on our Instagram page.
Diagnosing the problem is just the beginning
If you’re able to identify that your truck might be experiencing tire balance issues or brake system problems, that’s a great first step! The next step is raising your vehicle on a mount so you can inspect and fix it.
And, if you need a little help doing so, we’re always here to help with repairs. Our 10-bay facility features state-of-the-art technology and equipment, making diesel repairs a breeze. Plus, our diesel truck technicians have more than 35 years of experience with all different makes, models, and sizes of diesels.
If you’re looking for a reliable facility on Long Island, NY, that can fix your vehicle’s shaking steering wheel in record time, the first time around, we’d be happy to help.
To schedule service for your truck, contact us today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about shaking steering wheels
1. When does a steering wheel start to shake?
Most drivers tend to notice their steering wheel is shaking when driving between 50 and 70 miles per hour. If the steering wheel wobbles while cruising down the highway, the wheels might be unbalanced.
2. Does suspension cause steering wheels to shake?
A truck’s suspension can cause the steering wheel to shake, yes. A misaligned suspension system, or one with worn components, can affect the quality of the steering.
Identifying the cause early — and fixing it early — can help prevent further damage to your truck’s internal components.
3. What’s the best way to fix a shaking steering wheel?
The best way to fix a shaking steering wheel is by bringing it to a certified diesel mechanic to inspect your truck. A diesel mechanic has the training and experience to help discover why your steering shakes or wobbles, whether the issue may be unbalanced wheels, brake system problems, or something else.
They’ll help fix the issue so your truck is safe to drive. What’s more, consider bringing your truck to a diesel truck mechanic who employs knowledgeable, ASE-certified mechanics.
Pine Aire Truck: Reliable and Efficient Diesel Truck Repairs Since 1986
