How do I fix my steering wheel shaking at high speeds?

Most highway-speed steering wheel shakings are fixable with tire and wheel service, followed by alignment or front-end inspection. Start with the tires and wheels, then move to steering and suspension components if the issue persists.

What causes steering wheel shake at high speeds

Vibration at highway speeds is most commonly tied to the wheel-tire setup, with alignment and suspension as frequent secondary causes. Less often, worn or loose front-end components or drivetrain issues can produce a shake that becomes noticeable as speed increases.

The following list covers the most common culprits behind high-speed steering shake.

• Tire imbalance or out-of-round tires: uneven weight distribution or a tire that isn’t perfectly round can cause a steady shake at speed.


• Bent or damaged wheel (rim): a bent rim can create runout that you feel in the steering wheel.


• Wheel misalignment: toe, camber, or caster misalignment can lead to steering vibrations and pulling.


• Tire inflation issues: under- or over-inflated tires can accentuate vibrations and wear patterns.


• Loose or damaged lug nuts or wheels: improper torque or loose fasteners can cause wobble and vibration.


• Worn suspension or steering components: bad tie rods, ball joints, control arms, or a failing steering rack can transmit vibrations.


• Worn wheel bearings: bearing play or wear can create vibration that changes with speed.


• Brake rotor warp (often felt when braking as well): warped rotors can contribute to vibration that may be noticed at speed if the condition is severe enough.


• Drivetrain or CV joint issues (more common in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles): excessive play can produce vibration under acceleration at speed.

If you still can’t identify the cause after these checks, seek a professional diagnostic to avoid driving with a condition that could compromise safety.

Safe DIY checks you can perform

You can perform a few basic, safety-conscious checks to narrow down the issue before visiting a shop. Do not drive long distances if you detect persistent vibration.

1. Inspect tires and wheels for visible damage: bulges, cuts, cracks, or a bent rim.


2. Check all tire pressures and ensure they match the manufacturer’s recommended specifications found on the door jamb or owner's manual.


3. Ensure lug nuts are properly torqued to the recommended spec, using a torque wrench in a star pattern to avoid distortion.


4. Look for unusual tire wear patterns (cupping, feathering) that might indicate alignment or suspension problems.


5. Check for wheel runout by slowly rotating each wheel and watching for side-to-side movement or wobble. If you don’t have a dial indicator, a visual check for obvious wobble can help flag a problem.


6. Test-drive in a safe area at moderate speeds to determine if the shake occurs at a specific speed, during acceleration, or during braking, which helps isolate the cause.

These checks help you distinguish tire/wheel-related causes from more complex front-end issues, guiding you toward the right next steps.

What professionals will check and fix

If DIY steps don’t resolve the shake, a professional mechanic or tire shop will typically perform a comprehensive diagnostic and implement one or more of the following fixes.

• Tire balancing and rotation to correct imbalances and even out wear.


• Wheel inspection, straightening, or rim replacement if the wheel is bent or cracked.


• Wheel alignment (toe, camber, and caster adjustments) to restore proper geometry and tire contact.


• Brake rotor inspection, resurfacing, or replacement if rotor warp is contributing to vibration (often accompanied by a braking-specific vibration).


• Suspension component replacement or repair (tie rods, ball joints, control arms, shocks/struts) if worn or loose parts are transmitting vibration.


• Wheel bearing replacement if there is play, noise, or roughness in the hub area.


• Drivetrain or CV joint inspection and repair if vibration correlates with acceleration or is present at certain speeds.

After a professional assessment, you’ll typically know whether the cure is a simple balancing, a tire replacement, or more extensive front-end work.

Prevention and maintenance tips

Regular maintenance helps prevent steering wheel shake from reoccurring. The following practices reduce the risk of future vibrations and promote safer driving.

• Tire care: maintain correct pressure, rotate tires per your vehicle’s schedule, and balance wheels when installing new tires or after hitting potholes or curbs.


• Prompt alignment checks: get an alignment after major pothole impacts, curb strikes, or any noticeable handling change.


• Inspect and maintain suspension and steering parts: replace worn components before they cause additional wear or safety concerns.


• Protect wheels: avoid curb collisions and choose quality tires appropriate for your vehicle and driving conditions.


• Monitor for brake symptoms: if vibration worsens when braking, have the rotors and calipers inspected promptly.

Staying proactive with maintenance helps keep your steering feel steady and reduces the chance of high-speed vibrations returning.

Summary

A steering wheel that shakes at high speeds is most often tied to tire balance, wheel damage, or alignment. Start with a tire-and-wheel check, then assess suspension and steering components, and seek professional diagnosis if the vibration continues. Regular tire maintenance and timely front-end checks are the best defenses against future incidents, helping you stay safe on the road.

How do I stop my steering wheel from shaking at high speeds?

Resolving Steering Wheel Shake
Make sure to balance all four tires. Properly aligned wheels are crucial for preventing steering wheel shake. If you suspect alignment issues, take your vehicle to a professional for alignment adjustments.

Can I fix steering wheel vibration myself?

Check your tire inflation first, as important pressure can often correct minor imbalances that cause steering wheel shaking. If your tires are properly inflated but you're still experiencing issues, it's time to investigate further into tire imbalance. Uneven tread wear is a common culprit behind this.

Why does my steering wheel shake at 60-70 mph?

A shaking steering wheel between 60 and 70 mph is most commonly caused by unbalanced or unevenly worn tires, but can also be due to other issues like warped brake rotors, worn suspension components (such as tie rods or ball joints), or a bent wheel. It's best to have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle to diagnose the exact problem, as a shaking steering wheel can be a sign of a serious safety issue. 
Common causes

• Tire imbalance: This is the most frequent cause of vibration at highway speeds and is often due to uneven tire wear or a recent tire change. 
• Tire issues: Damaged tires, such as those with uneven wear, internal belt damage, or a bubble, can cause shaking. 
• Warped brake rotors: If the shaking occurs or worsens when you apply the brakes, warped brake rotors are a likely cause. 
• Worn suspension components: Parts like tie rods, ball joints, or wheel bearings that are loose or worn can cause shaking and affect steering stability. 
• Bent wheel or axle: A bent wheel or axle can cause a persistent vibration at speed. 

What you can do

• Check tire pressure: Ensure all tires are inflated to the correct pressure. 
• Visually inspect tires: Look for any obvious signs of uneven wear, damage, or bubbles. 
• Take it to a professional: The most reliable way to fix the problem is to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle. They can properly check tire balance, wheel alignment, brakes, and suspension components. 

What is the most common cause of steering wheel shaking?

The most common cause of a shaking steering wheel is unbalanced tires. Other frequent issues include warped brake rotors, worn suspension components, and problems with wheel bearings. 
Common causes of steering wheel shaking

• Tires and wheels:
  • Unbalanced tires: This is the most frequent culprit, often noticeable at higher speeds (around 50 mph). 
  • Uneven tire wear: Caused by a lack of proper alignment. 
  • Bent rims: Can result from hitting a pothole and can cause vibration. 
  • Bent or broken suspension components: Issues like a bent axle can cause shaking. 
• Brakes:
  • Warped brake rotors: This is a very common cause of shaking that occurs specifically when you are braking. 
  • Sticking brake calipers: A caliper that doesn't release properly can create a vibration even when not braking. 
• Suspension and steering:
  • Worn suspension components: Worn-out parts like shocks, struts, or ball joints can lead to excessive shaking. 
  • Bad wheel bearings: Worn or damaged wheel bearings can cause play in the wheel, resulting in vibration. 
  • Worn engine mounts: Can cause vibrations to be transmitted through the steering wheel. 

How to determine the cause

• If the shaking happens at most speeds and gets worse with speed: It's likely an issue with your front tires being out of balance. 
• If the shaking only happens when you are braking: The problem is almost certainly your brake rotors. 
• If the shaking happens at one specific speed: It could be a problem with your ball joints. 
• If the shaking is accompanied by noise: It could be a sign of issues with wheel bearings or other suspension components. 

It's recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to properly diagnose and fix the issue.