Steering
Steering Wheel Shakes, Clunks and Vibration
When the shake happens narrows the cause. Shaking at highway speed often points to an unbalanced or damaged tire. Shaking only when you brake often points to a warped rotor. Clunks over bumps can mean worn suspension or steering parts. If steering feels loose or the shaking is severe, do not drive the car.
- All makes and models
- $125 diagnostic, credited if you go ahead with the repair
- Nephi to Ogden, including Eagle Mountain and Heber
Why does my steering wheel shake?
Match the symptom to when it happens.
- Shaking at higher speeds. A tire that is out of balance, worn unevenly or damaged. A bent wheel can do it too.
- Shaking only when braking. A warped or uneven brake rotor. Worn pads or a sticking caliper can also play a part.
- Shaking when accelerating. Can point to a worn axle or drivetrain part.
- Clunks or knocks over bumps. Worn suspension parts: struts, control arm bushings, ball joints or sway bar links.
- Loose or wandering steering. Worn tie rods or other steering parts.
What should I look at on the tires first?
Look at all four tires. A bulge in a tire can blow out, so do not drive on it. If the shaking started soon after tire work, the lug nuts may be loose. Stop and have them checked before driving further.
If the shake is at highway speed and the tires were not recently balanced, tire balance is a likely cause.
Is it safe to drive with a shaking steering wheel?
A mild vibration at highway speed with no other symptoms is often tire balance or tire damage. Anything worse, do not drive it.
Having it diagnosed
Call or text and describe the problem. The diagnostic visit is $125 on every job. If you go ahead, the $125 is credited toward the repair. If you pass on the repair, the $125 is not refunded. The travel fee is $75 to $100 in addition to the diagnostic, based on miles and fuel.
What to do right now
Note when it happens.
At speed, when braking, over bumps or all the time.
Look at the tires.
Look for bulges and uneven wear. Do not drive on a tire with a bulge.
Avoid driving the car until it is checked.
Note anything that changed recently, such as tire work.
Call or text.
Say what the car is doing and when you feel it.
Questions
Questions about a shaking steering wheel
Why does my steering wheel shake at high speed?
Often a tire problem: out of balance, uneven wear, damage or a bent wheel. Worn suspension or steering parts can also contribute. If the tires were not recently balanced, that is a common cause of a shake at highway speed.
Why does my steering wheel shake when I brake?
A warped or uneven brake rotor can cause it. You feel it as a pulse through the pedal and wheel. A sticking caliper or worn pads can also play a part, so have the brakes looked at.
What causes clunking over bumps?
Worn suspension parts such as struts, bushings, ball joints or sway bar links can clunk over bumps. Worn parts can loosen further over time, so a clunk is worth having looked at rather than ignored.
Can I drive with a shaking steering wheel?
Avoid driving it until it is checked. Do not drive it at all if steering feels loose, the car pulls hard or the shaking is severe. Never drive on a tire with a bulge, and stop if the shake began right after tire work.