Steering Wheel Shaking When Braking? Here’s When To Visit Us for a Fix
There is nothing quite as nerve-wracking as a shaking steering wheel when you’re cruising on the highway or coming to a quick stop. Whether your steering wheel shakes when braking, turning a corner, or going over a bump, we have some tips to help you pinpoint the issue.
Common Causes of a Shaking Steering Wheel When Braking
The most common issues that can lead to a vibrating or shaking steering wheel include problems with your brakes and rotors, alignment issues, broken tie rods, or the need to rebalance one or more of your vehicle's tire and wheel assemblies. Other issues include bent wheels, worn suspension components (including shocks and struts), flat tire or tire-pressure problems, and improperly installed wheel lug nuts. The least likely cause is a loose steering wheel, but worth a mention.
Warped Brake Rotors: Uneven Surfaces Create Vibrations
Shaking or vibrations can be felt in the steering wheel when brake rotors become extremely uneven or pitted. The only time you’ll feel the vibration is when you hit the brakes. That shaking happens when the brake pads push against the rotors. If those rotors are uneven, wobbling or shaking can occur. Over time, an uneven rotor can cause your brake pads to wear down faster than usual, costing you more money. At Les Schwab, we can replace your rotors. If needed, we may be able to resurface your existing rotors to correct flaws. Get a free visual brake check at Les Schwab.
Worn Brake Pads: Old Pads Struggle to Grip Rotors
Every time you brake for a stop sign or slow down for a corner, the brake pads (found on vehicles with disc brakes) wear down just a little. As those pads age, they have a harder time pushing against the rotors. That’s when it’s time to get those brake pads replaced. Left on a vehicle too long, worn brake pads can cause vibration in your steering wheel, as well as squealing or other loud noises. They can also damage your rotors and cause issues with the calipers. Get your brakes and calipers checked today at Les Schwab.
Out-of-Balance Tires: Uneven Weight Causes Shaking
When a tire and wheel assembly are out of balance (including a bent wheel), you’ll feel it in the steering wheel and/or floorboards as you accelerate. Get to Les Schwab, where our service professionals can inspect your wheels and get them rebalanced.
Misaligned Wheels: Alignment Issues Affect Steering
A properly aligned vehicle can improve MPG or range and maximize your tire life. Worn suspension or alignment components may cause vibrations in your seat or steering wheel. If you feel your steering wheel pulling to one side or shaking after an accident, going over a deep pothole, or somewhere along your commute, stop by Les Schwab for an alignment check. Our professionals know how to properly align your car or truck for optimal safety and comfort.
Loose Wheel Bearings: Worn Bearings Affect Steering
The tires and wheels on the average vehicle will roll 700 times per mile. That comes to 10.5 million spins per year for most Americans. And that’s per wheel! With that much work, the bearings in your wheel-bearing assembly will wear out over time. When it does, small wobbles or vibrations can be felt in the steering wheel when you brake or corner. Get yours inspected and repaired at Les Schwab.
Damaged Shocks: Impacting Braking Stability
Do you live on a dirt or gravel road? Are you still driving on your vehicle’s original shocks? Damaged or old shocks and struts can lose their ability to dampen bumps and road vibrations, causing some shaking in your steering wheel. Worn shocks can also affect how well your tires connect with the road, which may cause vibrations. Get your shocks and struts, as well as your tie rods, inspected and replaced at Les Schwab. Our professionals know what to look for and can help you make the right decision for your safety and your wallet.
Stuck Calipers: Uneven Brake Pressure From Sticking
Anytime your car or truck pulls to one side or the other or the steering wheel vibrates, it could be a stuck or broken caliper. This issue can cause the brake pads to press unevenly on the rotors when you apply the brakes. The professionals at Les Schwab know what to look for and can help pinpoint the issue. If a caliper is stuck, you may need to get your vehicle towed to a nearby Les Schwab.
When To Visit Les Schwab for a Professional Inspection
Safety is important, and every mile counts. To ensure your car or truck is ready for whatever adventures you have planned, get to Les Schwab for a free pre-trip safety check. Our professionals will do a visual inspection of your tires, wheels, battery, brakes, alignment, and more for your overall safety and to help you avoid more costly repairs down the road.
Schedule Your Service Today for a Smoother Ride
Get your vehicle checked out at Les Schwab. Our professionals can help you spot issues before they become bigger and more costly, improving your ride, performance, and safety.