What causes a shaking steering wheel?

A steering wheel shake is usually linked to tires and wheels, such as unbalanced tires or a bent rim, but it can also point to brake problems or worn suspension components. Understanding the likely culprits can help you target a repair more quickly.

Tires and wheels

These issues are the most common and often the easiest to verify, sometimes with a simple visual check or a ride-along test.

• Unbalanced tires or wheels, especially after a tire rotation or replacement


• Damaged rims or bent wheels from hitting a pothole or curb


• Tire out-of-round, bulges, or unusual wear patterns


• Improper tire inflation or mismatched tires on the same axle


• Loose or uneven lug nut torque or a loose wheel fastener

If you suspect tire/wheel issues, schedule a professional balance and inspect rims for damage. Replacing damaged tires or rims and ensuring proper torque often eliminates the shake.

Brake system and rotors

Vibration that appears or intensifies when you brake typically points to rotor or caliper issues, sometimes requiring resurfacing or replacement.

• Warped or unevenly worn brake rotors causing pulsation felt in the steering wheel


• Worn, sticking, or seized brake calipers that apply uneven braking force


• Glazed or uneven brake pads that don’t grip evenly


• Loose or damaged brake hardware, such as caliper bolts or pads

Brake-related vibrations can be dangerous. If you notice shake during braking, have the brake system inspected promptly and address rotor replacement, resurfacing, or pad/caliper fixes as needed.

Suspension and steering components

Worn or damaged parts in the suspension and steering system can translate road irregularities into a steering-wheel shake, particularly at lower speeds or during acceleration.

• Worn or damaged tie rods, steering rack components, or inner joints


• Bad ball joints or worn control arm bushings


• Damaged sway bar links or other suspension hardware


• Worn wheel bearings or hub assemblies that introduce play

Suspension or steering repairs often involve parts replacement and, in many cases, alignment to restore smooth steering and handling.

Drivetrain, bearings and alignment

Less common but still important, vibrations can originate in the drivetrain, wheel bearings, or from misalignment that surfaces at certain speeds or during acceleration.

• Worn or imbalanced driveshafts or CV joints


• Worn wheel bearings or damaged hub assemblies


• Misalignment of the vehicle’s alignment or steering linkage leading to steering-wheel shake

If vibration persists after addressing tires, brakes, and obvious suspension wear, a comprehensive inspection of the drivetrain and alignment is warranted to prevent further damage.

What to do next

Because steering-wheel shake can have multiple causes, start with the most common and easily checked items—tires and wheels—then move to brakes and suspension. If the shake is severe, changes with braking, or your vehicle pulls to one side, seek a professional diagnostic to avoid unsafe driving.

Summary

Steering-wheel shake most often stems from tires and wheels—their balance, condition, and inflation—while brakes, suspension, and drivetrain components can also produce vibration. Systematic inspection and targeted repairs, often beginning with tires and wheels, typically restore smooth steering and safe handling.

Is it safe 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.

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.

Is steering wheel shake expensive to fix?

Typical minimum parts cost to cure most steering-wheel looseness: $50--250 (shaft U-joint, bushings, tie-rod ends). Moderate repairs (replace intermediate shaft + two tie rods or a reman rack): $200--700. Major replacement (new OEM steering rack + column parts + wheel): $800--2200+.

How to fix a shaking 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