Why is My Car Shaking?
I love my car. I love to drive on the open road with the wind in my hair and some great music on the radio. Getting to see the sights and enjoy the ride. Nothing can burst that happy bubble faster than an issue with my car. Is it a big thing or a little thing? Sometimes, it is hard to tell the difference. What should you do if you are dealing with car shaking, or steering wheel vibration? Well, there are a ton of possible reasons that can cause your car to shake, vibrate or wobble around. It could be a simple fix, like balancing your tires. It could also be a more complex issue, like your brakes, or even your suspension. Let’s take it a step at a time.
Common Causes
While this does not include every possible issue that could be a cause for your car shaking, vibrating, or wobbling, it does cover some fairly common ones.
Steering Wheel Vibration
The steering wheel is more than just a handy place to rest your hands. It is your main connection to your car and the road. The steering wheel can be the first place you notice when something feels, ‘off’ or weird while driving. If it shakes, vibrates or pulls to one side, it is an indication that your car needs service.
Tires
Tires are never quite perfectly round or perfectly balanced. Even new tires have minor imperfections in them that require minor adjustments when installed on your rim. Driving conditions, weather, and normal wear & tear can all effect the balance of each tire. Having unbalanced tires is a common cause for your car shaking while driving at higher speeds.
When a wheel is out of balance, it wobbles as it rotates. At high enough speeds, it can be quite noticeable in the steering wheel, floorboards, and even in the seats. If unbalanced tires are not serviced promptly, it can cause uneven wear on your tire tread. A qualified technician should ensure that your tires are balanced each time you have a routine service check or tire rotation.
Suspension
Suspension components can wear out and should be serviced regularly. Loose shock mounts, damaged springs, and leaking shocks/struts can cause a noticeable steering wheel vibration.
Alignment
Wheel alignment relies on your vehicle’s suspension. If you drive on rough roads, constantly hit that same pot hole every day on your way to work, or simply use the curb to help you parallel park, you may need to have the alignment serviced. When your wheels are out of alignment, it is common to feel some vibration in the steering wheel. Misalignment often causes uneven wear on your tire tread. This uneven wear can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, even when your steering wheel is centered.
Brakes
If you only experience your car shaking when you apply the brakes, then the braking system in your vehicle may be to blame. It is common to feel shaking or vibrating in the steering wheel, and even the brake pedal, if one or more of the components within the braking system is worn, damaged or misaligned. A few likely culprits that require an immediate service check are:
- Brake Disk Run Out
- Disk Thickness Variation (DTV)
- Overheating/Warping Brake Disc
- Seized/Stuck Brake Calipers
- Worn Brake Pads
Professional Solutions for Your Car Shaking
Quality Auto Repair
Eby’s Garage has been family owned and operated for over 30 years. We specialize in Auto Repair, Brake Repair and Factory Scheduled Maintenance in Boonsboro, MD. Our excellent team of highly trained, ASE certified technicians will use the latest computer hardware and software to diagnose your car shaking or steering wheel vibration. We will work hard to get your vehicle repaired and get you back on the road as soon as possible.
We look forward to hearing from you. Give us a call at (301) 432-5130 or visit us online to schedule a service.