Is Your Steering Wheel Shaking? Here's Why

A shaking steering wheel is one of the most common — and most unsettling — driving complaints.The good news is that the cause is almost always identifiable, and most fixes are straightforward.Here are the six most common reasons your steering wheel is vibrating.

1. Unbalanced Tires(Most Common Cause)

If the vibration starts around 55–65 mph and gets worse with speed, unbalanced tires are the most likely culprit. When a tire's weight distribution is uneven, it creates a wobble that transfers directly to the steering wheel.

The fix: Tire balancing — a quick, inexpensive service. Each wheel is placed on a spin-balancer and small weights are added to correct the imbalance. Cost: typically $15–$25 per tire.

2. Wheel Alignment Issues

Misaligned wheels don't cause the classic "vibration" as much as they cause pulling, drifting, and uneven tire wear — which eventually leads to vibration. If your car is pulling and shaking, the alignment is likely off.

The fix: A 4-wheel alignment using computerized equipment. At Strong's, we use the Hunter HawkEye Elite system to set your camber, caster, and toe angles to factory specifications.

3. Warped Brake Rotors

If the vibration happens only when braking , your brake rotors are likely warped. This occurs when the rotor surface becomes uneven from heat cycling (repeated hard braking). You may also feel pulsation in the brake pedal.

The fix: Rotor resurfacing (if within spec) or rotor replacement. We always measure rotor thickness and runout before recommending replacement.

4. Worn Suspension Components

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings wear out over time.When they become loose, they allow play in the steering system that manifests as vibration, wandering, or clunking over bumps.

The fix: Inspection and replacement of worn parts. Connecticut roads accelerate suspension wear — we recommend annual inspections.

5. Damaged or Out - of - Round Tires

A tire with a broken belt, bulge, or flat spot (from sitting in one position too long) will never balance properly. The vibration feels irregular and doesn't smooth out at any speed.

The fix: Tire replacement. A damaged tire is also a safety hazard — a blowout at highway speed is dangerous.

6. Stuck Brake Caliper

A stuck caliper applies constant friction to one rotor, causing heat buildup.You'll feel vibration that worsens over time during a drive, and the affected wheel may be noticeably hot compared to others.

The fix: Caliper servicing or replacement, plus rotor inspection for heat damage.

When to See a Mechanic

Mild vibration at highway speed ? That's likely tire balance — not urgent, but address it soon to prevent uneven wear. Vibration under braking, getting worse, or accompanied by noise? Get it checked immediately.

How We Diagnose It

At Strong's Alignment Services, we start with a road test to identify the vibration pattern, then inspect tires, wheels, brakes, and suspension systematically. We don't guess — we diagnose.And we explain what we find in plain English(or Spanish).

Call: (860) 569 - 1440 | 195 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT