Steering wheel shaking while braking can become a serious problem if the issue is ignored for a long time. It not only affects the comfort of your ride but can also indicate underlying problems in your vehicle’s braking or suspension system.
But there are times when you may face several problems related to the steering system. For example, steering wheel shaking while braking. Addressing the issue in time can prevent potential safety hazards and costly repairs. In this article, we will learn about the common reasons behind steering wheel shaking while braking, how to diagnose it, and ways to fix it.
Why Does Your Steering Wheel Shake When Braking – Causes
Steering wheel shaking when braking is caused by warped brake rotor surfaces or damaged brake pads. Additionally, bad calipers, worn wheel hubs, damaged bearings, worn suspension components or incorrect wheel alignment can also cause steering wheel shaking when braking.
Let us know in detail all the reasons for steering wheel shaking when braking, so that if such a problem occurs, you do not get confused with any other problem.
#1. Damaged or Bent Brake Rotor
The shaking of the steering wheel while braking in a car or other vehicle is caused by a worn brake rotor. Many times we drive for a long time with very worn brake pads, due to which the rotor layer gets worn out and the surface of the brake rotor becomes rough instead of smooth.
Due to this, the brake pads are not able to grip the rotor completely while braking and the brake rotor can overheat due to increased friction between the brake pad and the rotor during braking. Applying a sudden dead brake on a very hot brake rotor can bend the brake rotor, which can cause the steering wheel to shake when braking.
#2. Bad Wheel Bearing or Damaged Wheel Hub
Bearings are installed in the wheels of vehicles. So that the vehicle can run easily without friction. But sometimes due to some reason the wheel bearing or wheel hub can get damaged or broken. This causes the wheel of the vehicle to wobble. When the wheel bearing breaks or the wheel hub wears out and brakes are applied, the wheel of the vehicle does not remain stable.
Due to this, during the movement of the wheel of the car, this vibration can be felt on the steering wheel. Therefore, the steering wheel may shake even when the brakes are applied due to a bad or broken wheel bearing or wheel hub.
#3. Wheel Balancing Problem
If your vehicle has any problem related to wheel balancing, then the steering wheel of your vehicle starts shaking. This problem also occurs when the vehicle is driven in a vertical direction due to poor wheel balancing. Due to poor wheel balancing, the wheels of your vehicle will become crooked while moving, due to which the steering wheel will also start shaking. This problem becomes more serious when the brakes are applied.
#4. Abnormal Tire Wear
In many cases, due to many reasons, the tires of the vehicle start wearing abnormally or a tire swells at one place, due to which the vehicle starts shaking while moving and this problem starts increasing when the speed is high.
Due to this, you will feel the steering wheel of the car shaking. The problem of steering wheel shaking occurs even when the vehicle is moving in a straight direction, and the problem of steering wheel shaking can be seen even when braking.
#5. Bad Suspension
The shaking of the steering wheel of vehicles during braking is also due to the wear of the parts used in the suspension assembly. Because the suspension assembly in vehicles works to maintain the balance of the vehicle, the vehicle does not lose control on rough roads, on turns, during high speed or in case of braking.
But due to bad suspension, the vehicle and its wheels start shaking while moving at high speed. Due to which the problem of shaking in the steering wheel during movement can be seen and due to bad suspension, this problem is seen more in vehicles during turning and braking. Bad suspension can badly affect the balance and controllability of the vehicle.
#6. Wrong Alignment
Wheel alignment is a vital task for cars and vehicles with more than four wheels. Proper wheel alignment ensures that the wheels are straight at all angles while in motion and when cornering.
Proper alignment prevents the tires from moving in opposite directions, reduces friction and prevents the vehicle from pulling to one side at high speeds. It helps maintain balance, increases stability during braking and improves overall driving safety.
However, poor or incorrect wheel alignment can lead to a variety of problems. It can cause steering wheel shake when braking, reduce tire life and affect vehicle handling. Regular wheel alignment checks are a must to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
How to Diagnose Steering Wheel Shake When Braking
If you feel the steering wheel shaking when braking, follow these steps to diagnose the problem:
Test at Different Speeds – Note whether the vibration occurs at higher or lower speeds.
Look for Any Additional Symptoms – Listen for noises, check for pulling to one side, and inspect tire wear.
Check the Brake System – Check for worn pads, uneven rotors or stuck calipers.
Inspect the Tires and Wheels – Check for imbalance, uneven wear or damage.
Examine Suspension and Steering Components – Check for loose or worn parts.
Visit a Professional Mechanic – If you can’t pinpoint the problem, a mechanic can perform a comprehensive diagnosis using advanced equipment.
How To Fix Steering Wheel Shakes When Braking
Check brake rotors and calipers and replace with new ones if damaged.
Check all steering system components and replace any steering components that are worn or loose.
Check the wheel bearing; if the wheel bearing is bad, it also needs to be replaced.
Incorrect wheel and tire balancing can also cause this problem. So correct the tire and wheel balancing.
Check all the components of the suspension assembly. If any component is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.
Steering Wheel Shakes When Driving
Common causes of steering wheel shaking while driving include unbalanced tires or bent axles, which can cause vibrations that can be transferred to the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving. Additionally, damaged suspension components (tie rods or ball joints), warped rotors, or uneven brake pad wear can also cause steering wheel shaking.
Steering Wheel Shakes at High Speeds – Causes
Common causes of steering wheel shaking at high speeds can include wheel imbalance, uneven tire wear, or damaged suspension components. Vehicle wheel imbalance occurs when the weight distribution around the tires is uneven, causing vehicle vibrations at high speeds, which can be seen or felt as the steering wheel shakes.
Additionally, misalignment or uneven wear of tires can also contribute to steering wheel shaking. Generally, vehicle suspension problems, such as worn parts or misaligned wheels, can also add to the problem. Therefore, it is advisable to balance and align vehicle wheels regularly.
If the vibration still persists, you should consider contacting a professional mechanic to inspect the suspension system and resolve the underlying problem. Because steering wheel movement at high speeds can spoil the driving experience and compromise your and the vehicle’s safety.
Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake From 60 To 80?
If your car shakes when I brake at 60 to 80 mph, the main reason is the warped surface of the brake rotor. Because when the brake wears out, the increased heat due to high friction causes deformation, making the surface uneven, causing vibration when braking.
In addition, uneven tire wear or unbalanced tires can also contribute to car shaking when braking. Also, another possible cause is worn brake pads, which cause uneven braking force, causing your car to shake when braking at 60 to 80 mph.
So, when such a problem occurs, these issues should be addressed, such as replacing warped rotors, aligning tires, and installing new brake pads to improve braking performance. If the problem persists, a professional mechanic should be contacted for a suspension system and brake system inspection.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake At Low Speeds?
Common reasons for steering wheel shaking at low speeds may include misaligned wheels, uneven tire wear, or unbalanced tires. Often, the misalignment of the vehicle’s wheels creates uneven contact with the road, causing vibrations.
Additionally, uneven tire wear, often improper tire inflation, or damaged suspension components can also cause steering wheel shaking at low speeds. Therefore, these issues must be resolved immediately for a better and safer driving experience.
FAQ’s
How do I stop my steering wheel from shaking when I brake?
When your vehicle’s brake rotors become warped or the calipers wear out, the brake pads will press against an uneven surface when braking, which will transmit vibration to the steering wheel and cause the steering wheel to shake when the brakes are applied. You can easily fix this problem with the replacement of the brake rotor and calipers.
Is it safe to drive with a shaking steering wheel?
Driving with a shaking steering wheel can be unsafe and is never recommended. This may indicate unbalanced tires, worn suspension components, or brake problems. Which may affect vehicle control and cause accidents.
Are there other reasons for the steering wheel shaking when braking?
Yes, there can be other causes for steering wheel shake when braking besides warped brake surface rotors, which can include issues like uneven brake pad wear, worn suspension components, or bad wheel bearings.
Can a tire problem cause steering wheel vibration during braking?
Yes, uneven tire wear, unbalanced tires, or low tire pressure can cause steering wheel movement when braking.
Is steering wheel movement during braking a safety concern?
Yes, indeed, this is a matter of concern. Because it can affect braking efficiency and overall control.
Banty Paul, owner and founder of Auto Repair Zone, brings over 14 years of hands-on experience in automotive repair and maintenance. This blog was created to share expert troubleshooting guides, repair tips, maintenance advice, and cost estimates for cars and semi-trucks.
