Reasons why your steering wheel is shaking or trembling

This can stem from a variety of issues, from minor to major, and if you don’t deal with it immediately, it could end up with a large bill.

Understanding the root causes is essential for all drivers, for both comfort and safety.

In this car maintenance guide, we look at the likely causes and what you can do to fix your steering problems.

Common steering wheel issues

Although shaking or trembling steering wheels are a serious problem for drivers, here are a few more technical problems that could be linked:

• Unbalanced tyres – this causes steering wheel issues along with problems with the brakes and suspension system
• Low power steering fluid – can make it hard to turn the wheel itself
• Unbalanced tyres – due to misalignment or more concerning problem with brake calipers
• Worn suspension – this often leads to the steering wheel not returning to its central position
• Noise when turning – likely due to a lack of lubricant or friction within the wheel, steering rack, or suspension systems
• Loose steering – often caused by worn or poorly fitted parts
• Locked in position – this is due to a mechanical failure, likely linked to power steering

Why is my steering wheel shaking and trembling?

If your steering wheel feels a little shaky or wobbly whilst driving, it is usually caused by problems with the front tyres.

Usually, it is just a case of the tyres being out of balance and a trip to your local tyre fitting depot can check this and rebalance the wheels there and then.

However, it may also be that one or both tyres have become mis-shaped or unevenly worn or possible damaged.

Again, your tyre fitting depot will expertly check your tyres condition, as well as checking the wheel alignment of the vehicle. (Misalignment will not normally cause shaking of the steering wheel but will cause uneven tyre wear and cause the vehicle to pull or drift to one side of the road).

If you notice that the shaking only occurs when braking, then the problem may be due to warped or uneven brake discs or brake caliper problems. The front suspension and steering components may also cause wheel wobble, as can damaged or buckled wheels.

It’s worth noting that many modern vehicles have ‘Lane Assist’ technology fitted, which detects when the vehicle may be straying across the white lane lines on the road and warns the driver by vibrating the steering wheel.

This is usually accompanied by an audible warning beep and/or light on the dash.

This is a safety aid and not a fault. if you’re unsure, check the vehicle’s handbook for details of how it operates.

Overall, drivers who have noticed that their steering wheel is shaking or trembling while they are on the roads should be concerned and look to deal with the issue as soon as possible.

However, before speaking to a mechanic or taking your vehicle to the local garage, this can sometimes be due to road conditions.

Road conditions

The UK has millions of potholes, and many roads are also uneven or damaged. This can lead to steering issues.

Tyres

Unbalanced and damaged tyres will cause vibrations and wider issues with the vehicle – especially at higher speeds.

Also, if there is more severe damage to the tyre rim, then it will cause the vehicle to veer of course.

Brakes

If the rotors, calipers, or anything else to do with the brake system is damaged or not been serviced in a long time, then it will lead to shaking and trembling handing of the vehicle.

Suspension

If there are damaged, loose, or worn parts of the vehicle’s suspension, then it will lead to difficulties with steering the vehicle.

It will likely also lead to further problems within the engine and braking system.

Misalignment

If a car’s four tyres aren’t aligned, then it will lead to the steering feeling jittery and difficult to control.

When this happens, it also leads to damage to the tyres and suspension.

• Guide to steering rack replacements – cost, symptoms, and diagnostics
• Wheel alignment cost – your complete guide
• Power steering warning light – all you need to know

Impact at higher speed

If you are driving with a potentially damaged steering system that has led to shaking or trembling, then you will notice it a lot more when travelling at higher speeds.

It won’t necessarily impact top speed – but the vehicle will be more difficult to control.

Further side effects include higher fuel consumption, wider damage to tyres, and increased safety risk for all road users.

Impact on braking

Trebling steering normally happens when there is an issue with the vehicle – and is also more pronounced when aggressively trying to stop the vehicle when travelling at higher speeds or when trying to turn.

The car will likely take longer to slow down and will pull heavily to one side.

Shaking steering impacts braking more severely than accelerating.

Is it safe to drive when the steering wheel is shaking or trembling?

If your vehicle is very difficult to steer properly, you should stop when and where it is safe to do so and call for assistance.

If the shaking is fairly moderate, drive to your nearest tyre depot to have it checked or visit your local repair garage or contact a mobile mechanic service.