5 Causes of steering wheel vibration

As is well known, the function of the steering wheel is to determine the direction of tires and vehicles. We will feel dangerous and uncomfortable when driving if the steering wheel that determines the vehicle's direction feels vibrates and shakes.

Vibrations and shocks that occur on the steering wheel while driving can make the car wobble and more difficult to control.

The causes of the steering wheel vibrations are many but generally start from the wheels, such as tires and wheels. They are the components that first receive vibrations from the road surface when driving.

The following article will tell you some of the causes of steering wheel vibrations and shaking that can cause the car to become unstable when driving.

1. Problems with front wheels and tires

The first common thing that causes a car steering wheel to vibrate is the front tires and wheels. The problems with front tires that can cause the steering wheel to vibrate are bumpy tires, uneven tire wear, or unbalance tires.

While the wheel, steering vibration can occur because the wheel has been deformed on the surface and circumference. The deformation of the wheel shape results in an imbalance of rotation when we are running the car.

Such conditions on tires and wheels can cause wheel rotation to become unbalanced. It also makes the steering vibrations occur to the steering wheel.

2. Excessive worn-out wheel bearing

The next thing that causes the steering wheel vibration is the excessive worn-out wheel bearing, or in several models, they need to be re-adjusted. As we know, some car models have different types and models of wheel bearings.

There is a tapered model and an assembly (assy) model. Assy models usually do not require adjustment, so if they are worn out, this type of bearing must be replaced, while for the tapered bearing type, adjustments are still possible.

Worn-out wheel bearings can cause wheel rotation to become unbalanced; the effect is the wheels will vibrate, and the vibrations will propagate to the steering wheel.

3. Excessive worn-out ball joint

Still the same at the location around the wheels, the next cause of the steering wheel vibration is the result of an excessive worn-out ball joint. The worn-out ball joint can not only make loud noises like clunking metal, but it can also cause vibrations in the wheels due to its easy-to-shift position.

Generally, the cause of the steering wheel vibrates due to worn-out ball joint is from the upper arm or lower arm ball joint. Although, worn-out also may occur in other ball joints such as lateral arm ball joint or stabilizer ball joint.

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4. Problems with hydraulic steering rack

The next cause of the steering wheel vibrating is a problem with your car's hydraulic steering rack. Vibrations that appear if the steering rack has problems occur when the steering wheel is turned to change the car's direction. It will happen if the steering oil in the hydraulic steering system contains air bubbles.

The trapped air will cause the valve to shift when the steering wheel is turned. This condition makes the steering wheel becomes not smooth and feel stuck. As a result, when the steering wheel is rotated, you will feel a vibration that is quite disturbing.

5. Excessive worn-out steering joint

The steering joint is the connection between the steering column and the steering rack. Steering joints usually have sliding joints. Generally, these sliding joints will experience wear and tear after a long time of use.

Vibration on the steering wheel caused by excessive worn-out steering joints will appear when traveling on uneven and bumpy roads.