Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

Have you noticed your steering wheel shaking when you brake on Indianapolis roads? There are several reasons for steering wheel shaking, all of which call for professional attention. Learn why your steering wheel is shaking with the service team at Lafayette Cadillac today. Contact our service department in Lafayette to resolve the issue and enjoy safer, more pleasant driving in Delphi and beyond. If you have any questions after reviewing this guide, our certified technicians are here to help. 

5 Causes of a Vibrating Steering Wheel

There are five common reasons why you feel shaking in your steering wheel. Each of them alludes to different problems your vehicle could be having. Pay close attention to them and be sure to have your vehicle checked out to make sure these problems don’t get any worse.

Unbalanced Wheels

The weight placement of your tires is important. If the weight isn’t distributed evenly when the tire is put on, you’ll feel the vehicle vibrating. This is more likely the case in models with lightweight suspension systems. If this isn’t resolved, you could have future issues with the shocks, struts, and other steering components. If your wheels are unbalanced, bring your vehicle into the dealership and have the wheels checked and repositioned.

Misalignment

Like with unbalanced wheels, improper positioning of your vehicle’s wheels can cause a vibrating steering wheel. If you avoid obstacles like potholes and drive over railroad tracks slowly to avoid damage, then misalignment is less likely to be the issue. It’s easy to tell when it is, as you’ll notice the tread on the tires is uneven.

Bad Bearings

If there is damage or not enough lubrication to keep these bearings working properly, they will cause friction, which explains the shaking of your steering wheel. However, this only causes the wheel to shake when turning. Most times, a simple cleaning of the bearings can help, but if there’s damage, they’ll need to be replaced.

Suspension Issues

If parts are worn or loose or the driveshaft is imbalanced, this could be the cause. Though these are simple fixes, they aren’t fixes to wait on. Fix suspension issues immediately to prevent future problems.

Brake Issues

If you notice your steering wheel shakes when slowing down, the issue lies within your brakes. Worn brake pads, defective brake discs, and even worn shocks can be the cause. Brake pads are also an easy replacement, but they can be a costly fix.

Bring Your Cadillac to the Service Center at Lafayette Cadillac

What causes the steering wheel to shake when braking? Now that you know, is it time to schedule an appointment at our service bay near Frankfort? Call (765) 340-2768 or contact us online today to schedule steering wheel maintenance. We are here to help you maintain your investment for years. Don’t forget to browse our latest service offers. We also invite you to review how often to change your cabin air filter and the typical cost for a Cadillac oil change.