Why does my steering wheel vibrate at 70 mph?
Experiencing a vibrating steering wheel while driving at highway speeds can be both frustrating and concerning. This issue is often a sign of underlying problems with your vehicle that need attention. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen this issue countless times and are here to help you understand the possible causes and solutions.
Common Causes of Steering Wheel Vibration at 70 MPH
There are several reasons why your steering wheel might vibrate when you reach higher speeds. Below are the most common culprits:
- Unbalanced Tires: If your tires are not properly balanced, it can cause uneven rotation, leading to vibrations that are most noticeable at higher speeds.
- Wheel Alignment Issues: Misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side and result in vibrations in the steering wheel.
- Worn or Damaged Tires: Tires with uneven wear, bulges, or damage can disrupt the smooth rotation of the wheels, causing vibrations.
- Brake Problems: Warped brake rotors or issues with the braking system can sometimes cause vibrations, especially if the problem worsens when braking at high speeds.
- Suspension or Steering Components: Worn-out suspension or steering parts, such as tie rods, ball joints, or bushings, can lead to instability and vibrations.
How to Diagnose the Problem
To pinpoint the exact cause of the vibration, follow these steps or consult a professional mechanic:
- Inspect Your Tires: Check for visible signs of wear, damage, or bulges. If you notice uneven tread wear, it might indicate alignment or suspension issues.
- Check Tire Balance: Visit a tire shop to have your tires balanced. This is a quick and affordable service that can resolve many vibration issues.
- Test Braking: If the vibration intensifies when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign of warped rotors or brake system problems.
- Examine Suspension and Steering: Have a professional inspect your suspension and steering components for wear or damage.
Why You Should Address This Issue Promptly
Ignoring a vibrating steering wheel can lead to more serious problems down the road. For example:
- Unbalanced tires or alignment issues can cause premature tire wear, leading to costly replacements.
- Worn suspension or steering components can compromise your vehicle's handling and safety.
- Brake system problems can escalate, reducing your ability to stop effectively in emergencies.
How Kevin's Autos Can Help
At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing issues like steering wheel vibrations. Our experienced technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle, identify the root cause, and provide reliable solutions to get you back on the road safely. Whether it’s balancing your tires, aligning your wheels, or repairing suspension components, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t let a vibrating steering wheel ruin your driving experience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us take care of your car with the expertise and care you deserve!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my car juddering at 70mph?
Wheel balance
Tyres that are out of balance will cause shaking while driving at higher speeds (usually around 50-70mph). A tyre is out of balance when one section of the tyre is heavier than another.
Is it safe to drive with a shaking steering wheel?
Since steering wheel vibration can result from brake problems, it's a good idea to err on the side of caution and have the issue addressed as soon as possible. Other issues, including unbalanced or misaligned tires and damaged steering/suspension systems, are not immediately dangerous in most cases.
How do I fix my steering wheel shaking at high speeds?
Best bet is that your wheel/tires need to be balanced. You may have lost a wheel weight causing one wheel to be out of balance. Go to you local tire shop and have them rotate tires and rebalance all wheels while they are at it. That should smooth out the ride.
How much does it cost to fix a shaking steering wheel?
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.
What are the symptoms of a faulty steering rack?
Look out for the following signs!
- Your Car Wanders From Left To Right. Whether you're cruising or booting it, if you find your vehicle wandering a little, this may be a symptom of a faulty steering rack.
- There Are Grinding Noises When Steering.
- A Smell That Resembles Burning Oil.
- A Power Steering Fluid Leak.
Why does my steering wheel feel like its vibrating?
If it appears uneven, misaligned wheels are causing your steering wheel to shake. Bad Bearings — Friction from bad bearings or inadequate lubrication can cause a shaky steering wheel. If bearings are the cause, you'll notice that the shaking only occurs as you turn the wheel.
Why does my steering wheel shake when I hit 70 mph?
Numerous things could cause it. Tires out of balance, slack in the steering or front suspension components, bad alignment, bad tire, bad wheel, bad ball joints/bushings up front. I would start by having the tires balanced and have them inspect the suspension components.
What is likely cause of steering wheel vibration at high speed?
Unbalanced wheels can mean many different things: one or more of your tyres could be inflated incorrectly, the treads may have worn down unevenly, or the drivetrain itself could be damaged or misaligned. If the shaking happens consistently at around 80 kph, wheel imbalance is likely the source of the problem.
Is it safe to drive with a vibrating steering wheel?
Since steering wheel vibration can result from brake problems, it's a good idea to err on the side of caution and have the issue addressed as soon as possible. Other issues, including unbalanced or misaligned tires and damaged steering/suspension systems, are not immediately dangerous in most cases.
What does a continuous vibration in the steering indicate?
Explantion: If a driver feels a continuous vibration in the steering, particularly at higher speeds, this could typically indicate that the balance of the vehicle wheels is uneven. This can lead to instability in the handling of the vehicle. If this is the case, have it investigated by a competent person.
