How do I fix my steering wheel from shaking?

A steering wheel that shakes is usually caused by tire or wheel-related issues, brake problems, or worn suspension components. The quickest fixes involve checking tire balance, lug-nut torque, and obvious damage, then pursuing professional diagnosis if the shake persists.

To understand what’s happening, it helps to know that the vibration can originate from tires, wheels, brakes, or the suspension. The pattern of the shake—whether it occurs at certain speeds, during braking, or only when hitting potholes—guides the diagnosis and the recommended remedy. This guide walks you through safe at-home checks, what a shop will look for, and how to prevent future shakes.

What causes a steering wheel to shake

Vibration can stem from several systems:

Common tire- and wheel-related causes include unbalanced tires, bent or damaged rims, or tire defects such as bulges. Brake-related issues often involve warped rotors or worn brake components that pulsate when applying the brakes. Suspension or steering components—like worn tie rods, ball joints, control arms, or worn wheel bearings—can also create steering-wheel vibration. Poor alignment or uneven tire wear can mimic or amplify these symptoms.

Do-it-yourself checks you can try safely

Here is a checklist of practical, safe steps you can perform to narrow down the likely causes. If you encounter damage or feel uncertain, stop and consult a professional.

• Check lug-nut torque: With the vehicle on the ground, verify lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specification in a crisscross pattern. If loose, torque to spec and recheck after a short drive. If you don’t have a torque wrench, have a shop verify torque to avoid under- or over-tightening.


• Inspect tires for damage: Look for bulges, cuts, or exposed cords, and check for uneven tread wear. Remove any embedded objects you can safely spot, and consider tire replacement if damage is significant.


• Inspect rims for damage: Look for bends, cracks, or cracks around the bead seat and confirm that wheel weights are intact. Damaged rims should be repaired or replaced before driving long distances.


• Assess vibration patterns: Note whether the shake occurs at a specific speed, during acceleration or deceleration, or when braking. This helps distinguish tire/wheel issues from brake or suspension problems.


• Perform a cautious road test: If safe, drive on a smooth, quiet road at moderate speeds to observe when the shake appears. Stop if you notice reduced control, unusual noises, or excessive heat in brakes.

Concluding paragraph: If the shake persists after these checks, a professional inspection is likely required to assess tire balance, rotor runout, and the health of steering and suspension components.

When to seek professional help

Persistent vibration or any accompanying symptoms should prompt a diagnostic visit to a mechanic. A shop can perform precise balance and alignment checks, inspect rotor runout, test wheel bearings, and examine steering and suspension parts for wear or damage. Delaying diagnosis can lead to uneven tire wear or more costly repairs.

What your shop will check and how they diagnose it

At a professional shop, expect a structured evaluation using specialized equipment, plus a test drive. A typical diagnostic menu includes:

• Road force balancing and wheel runout measurement to determine true wheel and tire balance on the road surface


• Tire and wheel inspection for defects or damage that would cause vibration


• Brake system inspection to identify warped rotors or uneven pad deposits that can pulsate


• Alignment check and adjustment if misalignment is detected


• Steering and suspension component inspection, including tie rods, ball joints, control arms, and wheel bearings

Concluding paragraph: After the diagnosis, the shop will present a repair plan with costs and timelines. Addressing the root cause promptly helps prevent further tire wear and protects vehicle safety.

Preventive steps to avoid future shaking

Regular maintenance and mindful driving can reduce the risk of steering-wheel shake reappearing. Consider these practices:

• Rotate and balance tires as recommended—typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or whenever you notice vibration


• Maintain proper tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s specification and check it monthly


• Inspect tires for wear and damage after hitting potholes or curbs


• Have wheels balanced when mounting new tires, and address any rim damage promptly


• Monitor alignment and address pulling or uneven tire wear promptly


• Replace worn brake rotors or pads as needed to avoid pulsation or reduced braking performance

Concluding paragraph: Following these preventive steps helps keep steering responsive, reduces vibrations, and extends tire and component life.

Summary

A shaking steering wheel is usually a sign of tire/wheel balance issues, wheel damage, brake rotor runout, or worn steering/suspension components. Start with safe, simple checks—lug-nut torque, tire and rim condition, and symptom patterns—and then seek professional evaluation if the issue persists or involves braking or steering systems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are the best defense against future vibrations and unsafe driving conditions.

How to fix a shaky steering wheel?

To stop a shaking steering wheel, first have your tires balanced and your wheels aligned. If the problem persists, check and maintain your brakes (including checking for warped rotors) and inspect suspension components like tie rods, ball joints, and wheel bearings. Regularly checking your power steering fluid is also a good maintenance practice. 
This video explains the causes and fixes for a shaky steering wheel: 58sCar Exam GuruYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Solutions for a shaking steering wheel

• Tire balancing: Uneven weight distribution in your tires is a common cause, especially at higher speeds. Balancing them is a straightforward fix, according to AutoZone.com and Reddit users. 
• Wheel alignment: Improper alignment can cause uneven tire wear and vibration. Getting your wheels professionally aligned can resolve this and help prevent future issues, notes AutoFair Ford of Haverhill and atc Auto Center. 
• Brake maintenance: A shaking steering wheel that only occurs when braking often points to brake issues. Check for warped or worn rotors and brake pads. Replacing or resurfacing the rotors and replacing pads can fix this. 
• Suspension inspection: Worn-out suspension components like tie rods, ball joints, or wheel bearings can cause vibrations. A professional inspection can identify and replace damaged parts to restore proper function. 
• Power steering fluid: Ensure your power steering fluid is at the correct level. Low fluid can make steering stiffer and less smooth. 

This video demonstrates how to inspect for tire issues that cause steering wheel shaking: 53sDIYAutoworksNGYouTube · Jul 2, 2023

What can cause shaky steering?

A shaking steering wheel is often caused by unbalanced wheels or wheel alignment issues, but can also stem from problems with the braking system (like warped rotors), suspension components, or a bad wheel bearing. The vibration may occur at certain speeds, while braking, or over rough roads, indicating different potential causes. 
This video explains the causes of steering wheel vibrations at high speeds: 57sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Aug 4, 2024
Common causes of a shaking steering wheel
This video explains how to fix a shaking steering wheel at low speeds: 53sDIYAutoworksNGYouTube · Jul 2, 2023

• Tire and wheel issues:
  • Unbalanced tires: Uneven tire wear or new tires can cause a vibration that gets worse at higher speeds. 
  • Wheel alignment: Incorrect alignment can cause shaking and affect steering. 
  • Tire pressure: Low tire pressure due to cold weather or other factors can contribute to shaking. 
  • Tire problems: A separated tire can create a bulge that causes significant vibration. 
• Braking issues:
  • Warped brake rotors: This is a very common cause of vibration specifically when braking. The shaking is caused by the uneven surface of the rotor being contacted by the brake pads. 
  • Stuck brake caliper: If a caliper doesn't fully release, it can cause continuous friction and vibration. 
• Suspension and steering issues:
  • Worn suspension components: Worn shock absorbers, struts, or bushings can cause vibrations, especially on rough roads. 
  • Damaged wheel bearings: A bad wheel bearing can cause shaking that may be felt more when turning. 
• Other issues:
  • Engine problems: In some cases, engine malfunctions like a misfire or bad engine mount can cause vibrations that are felt in the steering wheel. 

What to do next

• Check your tires: Inspect for uneven wear or obvious damage, and check your tire pressure. 
• Pay attention to when it happens: Does it shake at high speeds, while braking, or all the time? This will help a mechanic diagnose the problem. 
• Get it inspected: Take your car to a qualified mechanic for a professional diagnosis and repair. They can properly check your tires, alignment, brakes, and suspension to find and fix the root cause. 

You can watch this video to learn how a separating tire can cause a shaking steering wheel: 1mGerard BurkeYouTube · Mar 26, 2023

How much does it cost to fix a steering wheel shake?

If your steering wheel only shakes when you turn, bearings are the likely culprit. Usually, this problem can be fixed with a simple cleaning, but if they're damaged, replacement can cost up to $430 dollars including labor costs.

Is it okay to drive with a shaky steering wheel?

You can still drive your car with a shaking steering wheel, but it does indicate that you should speak with an expert technician as soon as possible. The majority of shaky steering wheels are due to the five following issues: Unbalanced Wheels — Weight should be evenly distributed between all four tires.