5 Causes of Steering Wheel Shakes at Low and High Speeds
Cars are supposed to drive smoothly when you’re on a relatively good road. Chances are however, that you’ve experienced steering wheel vibrations at one point or another, and that’s perfectly normal. If you drive a Jeep or lifted truck, you also have to worry about death wobble (which takes shaking to another level).
The steering wheel is your connection to the car and indirectly, the road, so it’s logical that the first indication of something being broken or out of balance will manifest itself through the steering wheel. Here are the most common causes of steering wheel shaking and vibration.
Related: What is Brake Shudder?
Common Causes of Steering Wheel Shakes While Driving
If your steering wheel shakes, vibrates, or wobbles at either low or high speeds, here are the areas of your vehicle you should be investigating.
#1 – Tires
This one makes the most sense. The steering wheel is used to direct the wheels, so it’s only normal for tire problems to come through the wheel. The most obvious culprits here are out-of-balance tires.
With this issue you won’t get any shakes at lower speeds, but they will start becoming more and more noticeable the faster you drive. Check the tires for flat spots (especially vehicles that have not been driven recently) as this issue usually results in uneven tire wear.
Make sure all four tires are properly inflated. A deflated tire can send shakes through the steering wheel too. Lastly, check the tire wear.
If you notice that one side is more worn out, rotate the tires to even out the tire wear. If the tire tread is bad enough or tire rotation isn’t an option, you’re going to need new tires.
See Also: How to NOT Damage Your Steering Wheel When Cleaning It
#2 – Wheel Areas
If it’s not the tires, your next go-to part should be the wheels. They are the centerpiece of all tires after all. Start by doing a physical inspection looking carefully for any wheel or rim damage and checking the wheel bearings.
Although they should, in theory, last you an entire lifetime, that’s only in theory. In real life, they can wear out sometime, or even get damaged. Replacing them should solve the issue of steering wheel shimmy or wobble.
Problems with tie rod ends or ball joints are easy to diagnose. If the steering wheel shakes only when cornering and never while driving straight, it’s likely the tie rod ends.
The ball joints produce opposite results when going bad. They will only produce shaking while driving straight, never while cornering.
#3 – Axle
If your car has been involved in an accident recently and you just started noticing vibrations, start looking at axle issues as it’s very likely that one got bent or damaged. The shakes will increase as the speed rises, but they will be present even at lower speeds.
A broken driveshaft may result in random jerkiness of the steering wheel. The steering wheel will jerk left or right on its own. This is an immediate red flag. Take the car to a mechanic (avoid driving it there) and get it fixed immediately.
See Also: 5 Symptoms of Car Frame Damage
#4 – Engine Mounts
Although this one may not make sense at first, stopping to think about it gives great insight. Engine problems manifested through shaking can be felt throughout the entire car, but it’s usually the steering wheel which will give you a heads-up before that happens.
Engine/motor mounts are designed to secure the engine to the vehicle’s frame and absorb vibrations. When one or more mounts wear out or break, they can cause noticeable vibrations, particularly through the steering wheel.
This issue is most apparent during acceleration or when the engine is under load. The vibration may increase with engine speed (RPM) rather than vehicle speed (MPH).
#5 – Brakes
When it comes to safety, the main priority are the brakes. A blown engine may not allow you to drive the car, but faulty brakes will fail to stop the car, which is way more dangerous.
Normally if there is a brake issue, you will only feel steering wheel vibration while braking (see below). However, a stuck brake caliper will cause a noticeable steering wheel shake at high speeds.
See Also: 4 Reasons Your Steering Wheel is Not Straight
Steering Wheel Shakes When Braking
Below are some causes of steering wheel shakes due to your brake system. This problem will occur when you apply your brakes.
#1 – Brake Rotors
Violent shaking through the steering wheel when braking indicates that the rotors are probably warped or worn out. If resurfacing the rotor doesn’t work or there’s not enough material left, replacing with a new brake rotor is necessary.
If you apply pressure to the brake pedal and notice that your steering wheel starts to shake, this could be a sign that your brake rotors are going bad.
Of course, there are many reasons why a steering wheel could be shaking (see above), especially if it only happens while driving at a particular speed. But if it just happens while putting pressure on the brake pedal, then it is more than likely due to a problem with the brake rotors.
Every time you press down on the brake pedal with your foot, the vehicle slows down because the brake pads clamp together and apply pressure to the rotors as they’re spinning. But if the rotors are worn out or not installed correctly, then it will cause the calipers of the braking system to vibrate.
Once that happens, the vibration travels through the components that are connected to the calipers and then into the steering wheel. The final result is a vibrating steering wheel each time you step on the brake pedal.
Those who drive with both feet have a higher chance of having rotor issues due to the possibility of “riding the brakes” which causes premature rotor wear.
#2 – Brake Pads
As we know the front brake system is connected to the knuckle arm, the knuckle arm is connected with steering rack end, which is connected to the steering column, and then finally the steering wheel.
So if the rotor is still in good condition, the possible cause of steering wheel shakes when braking often comes from the brake pads themselves. They may have uneven brake pad wear or somehow came misaligned in caliper.
Related: 6 Best Brake Pad Brands (According to Enthusiasts)
#3 – Brake Calipers
A faulty or stuck brake caliper can also be responsible for some vibrations as well, but it’s usually only present in older cars. In this scenario, the steering wheel will only start vibrating at 50 mph or so, followed by a burning smell.
It’s best to stop the car and avoid driving it at this point until you get the issue fixed.
Quick Reference: Possible Causes According to Driving Conditions
| Cause | Low Speeds | High Speeds | Braking | Cornering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-balance tires | X | |||
| Tire flat spots | X | x | ||
| Uneven tire wear | x | X | ||
| Wheel damage | X | x | ||
| Wheel bearing issues | x | X | ||
| Axle damage | X | X | ||
| Engine problems | X | x | ||
| Broken engine mount | X | x | ||
| Warped brake rotors | X | |||
| Uneven brake pad wear | X | |||
| Misaligned brake pads | X | |||
| Stuck brake caliper | X | x | ||
| Driveshaft problems | x | X | ||
| Worn tie rod ends | X | |||
| Worn ball joints |
How to Diagnose Steering Wheel Vibrations
Step #1 – Identify the Conditions
Pay attention to when the vibrations occur. Do they happen at low speeds, high speeds, during braking, while cornering, or when driving straight? This information will help narrow down potential causes.
Step #2 – Check Your Tires
Inspect your tires for low pressure, uneven wear, or any type of damage. Get your tires rotated and see if the shaking changes. If it does, tire balance or wear issues are likely the culprit.
Step #3 – Inspect the Wheels
Look for visible damage to your wheels or rims. Jack up the car and spin each wheel, watching for wobbling that could indicate bent rims or worn wheel bearings.
Step #4 – Test the Brakes
If steering wheel shakes occur mainly during braking, pay attention to any pulsing in the brake pedal. This could indicate warped rotors or caliper issues.
Step #5 – Examine Suspension Components
Check for loose or worn suspension parts, particularly tie rod ends and ball joints. Any play in these components can cause vibration issues.
Step #6 – Consider Recent Changes
Think about any recent work done on your vehicle or any accidents it’s been in. New tires, recent alignments, or small fender benders can all lead to vibration issues.
Step #7 – Road Test Time
Drive your vehicle on a safe, straight road. Gradually increase speed and note at what point vibrations begin or intensify. This can help pinpoint speed-dependent issues. Having another person in the car can help as they can better hear issues located closer to the passenger side.
Step #8 – Get a Professional Diagnosis
If you can’t identify the problem or lack the tools or expertise to fix it, make an appointment with a local service center or independent mechanic. They’ll be able to perform more in-depth diagnostics and ultimately fix the problem.
He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.
When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.
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very good and clear article. Thank you
My speedometer is not showing accurate readings. Example: when I stop the needle is on 20. When I accelerate it doesn’t move.
What is the year, make, and model of your vehicle? Do you know if you have a cable speedometer or an electronic one?
Could be a bad speedometer cable, could be a bad instrument cluster. Can’t really say anything for sure without a little more information.
I have done alignment and wheel balancing over and again in my Toyota Sequoia 2003. Changed the Ball joints, Tie Rods, all the four Shock absorbers/Suspensions and Steering Rack yet the pulsating/ Shaking or Vibration continues in the front wheels. The vibration Starts from the lowest Speed and continues all through the journey no matter how high or low the speed. Please I need help.
I’m not sure. Maybe check the wheel bearings? You may have to bring it into a shop to help you narrow down the problem.
I have a 2002 saturn l200 that I had new tires put on all the sudden about a week or so later the front end is shaking. So I had the tires rebalanced still shaking. I replaced engine and trans mounts and wheel bearings with no help to stop the shaking any suggestions on what is causing the shaking starts at around 20mph and up
I’m not sure. It sounds like it may be suspension or alignment related, assuming the lug nuts are on tight.
My 2004 Cadillac SRX only shakes when I’m in park or slow speeds and I don’t hear it when I’m driving or on the highway what could it possibly be?
Does the vibration feel like it’s coming from the transmission or the engine? If it’s coming from the engine it could be a vacuum leak. You could find a vacuum leak by performing a smoke test.
Thanks Sean I’ll check it out
Hi I have a wobble when I get between 30 and 40 mph I’ve had all the wheels balanced and it’s still happening it is not has bad but it’s still there any help will be much appreicated.
You might need an alignment. While it’s in the shop for that, have them check to make sure it isn’t anything more serious like a bad wheel bearing, ball joint, or tie rod.
Sometimes it’s dirt build-up in the wheels, especially after winter. A wash can do wonders.
Purchased a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 v8 from original owner 25,000 mi. No accidents. I have a steering wheel shake when going straight when I first take off up to 50 mph. The shake is intermitent and doesn’t happen everytime vehicle is driven. I replaced tires and aligned at dealership and it is still happening. Took vehicle to frame alignment shop and they can find nothing wrong with it. Vehicle was stored and not used very often thats why mileage so low. Have had 2 mechanics put on hoist and not find any issues. Need help!!
My car shakes at low speeds and stops after hitting 40 MPH. What could be causing the issue?
Have you had it scanned for any fault codes?
My 2006 Range Rover, with 75,000 miles, has a very shaky steering wheel while driving down hills, or when I’m coming off of higher speeds and have my foot off the gas pedal. It doesn’t shake when I accelerate.
Thanks for the info on your site, it is very helpful. On a Honda civic hybrid 2009. Im having the shake, more like a brief wobble mostly when starting off from a stop, its like one tire is lower in the front slipping briefly. All tires pressure are correct. Im thinking its either lower engine mount or axle (driveshaft) the car is feeling sluggish as well.
I had the same problem with my older van. I had new tires all around. Took to my mechanic expecting big dollar repairs only to find out that one of my new tires on the front had tread separation and the other front tire was headed down the same path. Bought the tires at Discount Tire, took the van in and rolled out with 2 new tires at no charge and…..voila!!!! No more wobble. Hope yours ends up being something simple, as I’d hate to pay the repair bills on an Audi! 🙂
My steering wheel shakes only when I start going but it stops after a while. What could be the cause??
Possibly bad motor mounts if only at start up.
My car is a 2006 stratus dodge. My brake shoes were replaced recently and after that my timing belt needed to be replaced. While driving it home going 65mph i stopped at a red light. Stopped for over 2 minutes. My steering wheel started shaking under 1/4 RPMS. Should i worry or is something wrong?
Hi I’m having a huge wobbling/shaking problem at speeds 55-85 (haven’t done faster). My whole car is wobbling and my steering wheel is shimmying back and forth. I drive a 2017 Audi A6 2.0 Quattro Premium. I have new wheels(bbs) and tires(Goodyear eagle sports). Balanced 3 times at 3 different shops. Doesn’t matter if I’m accelerating or coasting, it still wobbles. I even threw it in neutral at 65mph and still wobbles. I don’t hear anything out of the norm maybe a little more road noise but can’t tell if that is a quality of the tire. I think the wobble is more present under the drivers side feet area…so much it feels like my car is going to fall into pieces. I’ve had it checked out by so many mechanics and they all can’t find any issues with suspension components or steering components. For some reason I think it’s my axle but they all say it looks good. They all say my driveshaft looks perfect. Ball joints, control arms, stabilizer links, wheel hub, tie rods all look good and no play. Please help
If u installed custom rims and different lug nuts/bolts, they maybe the wrong type/size example, sphere/conical/ball. Had the same issue on my Benz with custom rims.
Did you ever get it figured out mike cause I’m having similar problems and I h have replaced my tires and rims and it’s still shaking. It was shaking before I replaced them that’s why I did replace them.
I have a 1998 f150 the front end shakes at speeds 30 to 45 when I hit a dip or a bump in the road. It doesn’t do it all the time.
You’ll need to inspect (or have a shop inspect) the front suspension components. You may have some extra play in there. Also, when’s the last time you had an alignment done?
I have a 2006 chevy uplander. My steering wheel has been shaking vigorously while driving and while braking. And lately its been squealing when i turn. Any idea what’s wrong with it?
I have a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer , I’ve noticed when I drive on the highway my car has been shaking. I’m confused on what the problem is or what to do. Any Suggestions
I have a 1961 pontiac parisienne convertible. The car vibrates (can feel it on the steering wheel) BETWEEN 50 T0 55 M.P.H. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM – balancing, alignment, rotation of tires, driveshaft, new front end,gear box, new rims, tire pressure. I DESPERATELY NEED ADVICE! sh!
I have a similar problem my 13 outback shakes only when I’m going 45 to 70 then it stops any clues
+Had a similar problem on my vintage Cougar XR7. After several years of chasing this down including rotor and wheel rim runouts, you name it, even changed the steering gear, When I took out the brake booster to paint it (under hood is immaculate) I accidentally found that it was the steering column flexible coupling. It was shot. Changed an easy to do $20.00 item and all the shimmy completely disappeared. I had given the issue hundreds of hours of my time in addition to any part that did not meet “as new” specifications That “rag” is not even mentioned in this column as a possible culprit. I didn’t follow my own axiom of “change the cheapest and easiest item first”.
Just do 45!! 😆 😂
Motor mounts?
I would just take it to the scrap yard and junk it and get what you can man haha. jk!
My audi A4 2010 steering wheel shakes when I turn it all to right or left and am less than 5mph or stoping position, please help.
This seems to be fairly common with Audi quattros due to how the AWD differentials work and should be nothing to worry about. Now if you’re also getting noise, you could have an issue with the power steering pump. In either case, check your power steering fluid to make sure it’s full and not dark and needs replacing.
Sir while starting my car the steering itself is hobbling why?
My 2001 dodge caravan i know it needs aligned but when i hold the wheel straight it has a really bad knock and bounce i took both front tires of the stabilizer arm on the passenger side has play in it my driver side don’t could that be my issue
My 2005 pilot been shaking when braking from highspeed to low speed. I just change the lower control arms,2 tierod end ,2stabilizers . Brake pads and rotor. New tires. And it was aligned by pepboys. But still have that pulsation. I dont know what to do now. Calipers are old but i dont smell burned odor. Please help?
Buy a new car
My 08 Dodge grand caravan just started shaking very badly at around 50 to 60 mph I was wondering what would cause that I just had an alignment done and brand new tires as well.
Most likely the wheels weren’t properly balanced or one of the weights that attach to the rim for balancing fell off (they stick on). Go back to whoever installed your tires and have them check everything. Could also be a slightly bent wheel. The alignment wouldn’t cause shaking.
My car had been really shaky from the past few weeks. I really didn’t have time to visit the mechanic, so I googled for the problem to see if I can solve it myself. After reading your article, it seems like my car’s axle is no longer good to go.