Vehicle Steering Wheel Vibrations? 4 Potential Reasons in Houston
A vibrating steering wheel is a problem that should not be ignored. While finding fixing what's causing your steering wheel to shake is likely best left to an expert, it's possible for you to get a general idea of what might be causing it. That's because the most likely reasons tend to cause steering wheel vibration at different times and under different conditions. Below, we'll walk you through what might be causing your steering wheel to vibrate.
4. Constant Steering Wheel Vibration
If your steering wheel begins to vibrate the moment you start driving, the most likely cause is a problem with the suspension. Bad suspension can cause vibration at any speed, unlike some other problems. Since the suspension itself is complex and has many moving components, there could be a number of causes, from loose bushings to damaged suspension components. Driving with a damaged suspension can be dangerous, so we recommend having your vehicle towed to an authorized VW service center.
3. Steering Wheel Vibrates at Faster Speeds
If your steering wheel feels fine when you start driving, but starts vibrating once you hit highway speeds, there are several possible reasons. Most likely, it's due to wheels that aren't properly aligned or tires that are out of balance. There is a less common, but more troubling, possibility: a damaged axle. This can put you in great danger, so it's best not to ignore a steering wheel that begins to vibrate when you hit higher speeds. Even if it is only unbalanced tires or misaligned wheels, it's still best to get it taken care of as soon as possible. Putting it off could further damage the tires and other components.
2. The Steering Wheel Vibrates When You Turn
If the steering wheel stays steady on straightaways, but tremors when you turn, the wheel hub bearings are a likely culprit. The main purpose of these bearings is to reduce friction in your vehicle's wheels, and they need to be properly lubricated in order to do this job. If they're not, then damage can occur. If you catch this problem early enough, sometimes simply lubricating the existing bearings will be enough. Other times, they'll need to be replaced entirely.
1. The Steering Wheel Vibrates When You Brake
A steering wheel that vibrates when you brake is, perhaps unsurprisingly, usually due to a problem with the brakes themselves. Though the vibrations may be felt whenever you brake, it's most common to experience them when you're slowing down from higher speeds, like when you exit a highway. The most common cause is rotors that have become warped, causing the brake pads to intermittently contact the rotor. This will likely also make the brake pedal pulsate.
