Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

“My steering wheel shakes,” you say? The most common culprit is that the alignment of your tires has been thrown off. This uneven stance can cause your steering wheel, and even the whole car, to vibrate. That said, other issues can cause vibrations as well. Learn more with Wolfchase Nissan! Then, if you’d like us to take a look, check out our service specials and schedule a service appointment in Bartlett.

Five Common Causes of a Vibrating Steering Wheel

For Memphis drivers wondering, “Why is my steering wheel shaking?” it’s likely that your tires are out of alignment. “What are the other reasons my steering wheel is shaking,” you ask? Take a look at the five most common culprits:

• Misalignment: If your wheels are improperly aligned, it will throw off your vehicle’s stance, and shaking will ensue. If you regularly drive over potholes, railroad tracks, or other rough terrains, it’s important that you drive over them slowly to avoid throwing off the alignment of your wheels.
• Unbalanced Wheels: It’s important that you have the right weight placement of your tires. If the weight of your tires isn’t distributed evenly, you’ll feel vibrations. This is more of an issue for vehicles with lightweight suspensions systems. If you don’t properly distribute weight across your tires, it will wear out your steering component, including your shocks and struts.
• Suspension Issues: If you’ve hit a curb recently, it’s possible that you’ve warped your suspension. One of the easiest ways to tell is if your vehicle drifts to one side while steering straight.
• Brake Issues: If your vehicle only shakes when you slow down, it’s probably your brake pads or rotors. This is an easy problem to fix, but bear in mind that it can cost you as much as $300 to fix your brakes at each axle.
• Bad Bearings: If your bearings aren’t properly lubricated, they’ll generate friction and cause your steering wheel to vibrate. If your steering wheel only shakes when you turn, bearings are the likely culprit. Usually, this problem can be fixed with a simple cleaning, but if they’re damaged, replacement can cost up to $430 dollars including labor costs.

Schedule Nissan Service in Bartlett Today

If this guide hasn’t solved the mystery of why your steering wheel is shaking, Bartlett drivers need only contact Wolfchase Nissan in Bartlett! We’ll help you get to the root of why your steering wheel shakes and get you back on the road with peace of mind. If you have other questions about car care, be sure to explore our service tips for other informative reads about how to jump-start a car and more!