Shaky Steering Wheel While Driving Causes and Tips to Stop
A smooth and steady truck journey is very crucial for both the safety and comfort of any driver. However, a shaking steering wheel while driving can ruin the trip, turning it into a stressful experience. Remember, whenever the steering wheel shakes, it indicates some malfunction occurring within the vehicle during operation. That's very crucial to understand what causes the steering wheel to shake and how we can address it.
On that note, Amigo Tyres - trusted for the best truck wheels in Rocklea - decided to write an extensive guide explaining everything about shaking the steering wheel while driving. Read on!
Common Causes of a Shaky Steering Wheel
Here are the common reasons that cause shaking steering wheel while driving:
Wheel Imbalance
One of the most common reasons that causes the steering wheel to shake is the imbalance in the wheels. This can occur due to various reasons including uneven tire wear, improper alignment, or issues with the wheel bearings. When the wheels are not properly inflated which might cause imbalance, the steering wheel starts shaking at higher speed. That’s why Amigo tyres recommends regularly rotating and balancing the tires to prevent your truck’s steering wheel from shaking.
Brake System Problem
Brake system malfunctioning such as warped brake rotors or worn-out brake pads, can lead to considerable shaking of the steering wheel after applying the brakes. Warped rotors commonly cause uneven contact with the brake pads, causing the vibration. Similarly, worn-out brake pads also cause the calipers to get in contact unevenly, leading to shaking of the steering wheel. This is the reason why you need to address the brake issue prompt in order to maintain the vehicle's stopping ability and reduce the chances of shaking the steering wheel while driving.
Suspension Issues
Suspension-related problems also lead to shaking of the steering wheel. Components like tie rods, ball joints, and struts play a very crucial role in ensuring a smooth ride. Wherever these parts wear out or become damaged, they can cause instability in the steering system. Amigo Tyres, Rocklea recommends that Australian truckers regularly inspect the suspension system to identify worn-out parts that might need replacements.
Power Steering Problems
A lot of times, defects in the power steering system, such as low fluid levels or failing power steering pumps, can cause the steering wheel to shake. Proper maintenance of the power steering system is very crucial for smooth and easy truck operation. Whenever the issue occurs, the truck driver might feel difficulty in steering and vibration of the steering wheels might also occur.
Tire issue
Tire is the only contact point between the vehicle and the road, making it a very crucial component to be considered for better performance. Tire issues such as uneven tread wear, under-inflation, or damaged tires also contribute to the steering wheel shaking. Regularly keep an eye on the tire pressure and even ensure that the treat wear can help mitigate these issues.
These are the causes of the steering wheel shaking during the drive. Now let's discover the tips to stop the shaking of the steering wheel.
Tips to Stop a Shaking Steering Wheel
Addressing a shaking steering wheel is very crucial to prevent future accidents and avoid potential driver-related hazards. Here are some practical tips that you can consider to stop the shaking of the steering wheel:
Regular Tire Maintenance: Regularly rotate and balance the truck tires to ensure that there is no alignment-related issue. Also, check the tire pressure on a weekly basis to maintain an optimum level of the tire pressure.
Brake System Maintenance: Examine the braking system and replace the parts like worn-out brake pads and warped rotors. These are most commonly responsible for shaking the steering wheel while applying brakes. Also keep an eye on the brake fluid level.
Suspension System Checks: Get your suspension system inspected by an experienced mechanic in your locality. Replace any exhausted components that may cause problems while driving and may lead to shaking of the steering wheel.
Power Steering System Maintenance: Check the power steering fluid levels regularly and top them up if necessary. If you experience persistent issues, have the power steering pump inspected.
Timely Repairs: Australian truckers, consider any issue that occurs in the truck seriously. Ignoring problems can cause significant damage to the vehicles and might require costly repairs.
Professional Inspections: Regular inspections by a professional mechanic can help identify and resolve issues early. They can provide expert advice on maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety.
Steer Wheel Shaking while Driving Endnotes
A shaky steering wheel is not only a nuisance but also a potential safety hazard. By understanding the common causes of this issue and taking proactive measures to address them, you can ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
Still got any queries to ask? Contact us today to have them answered by our tyre experts!