Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking?

The Five Main Reasons for a Vibrating Steering Wheel

Five main reasons could cause the steering wheel to vibrate, with each hinting at a different problem. Because of this, we recommend bringing your MINI to our service center for an inspection. We want to make sure the cause doesn’t get worse:

• Unbalanced wheels: Weight placement of your vehicle’s tires is essential. The wheels will vibrate if distributed unevenly. This mostly happens when vehicles have lightweight suspension systems. When not fixed, you will have future issues with the struts, shocks, and other steering components.
• Misalignment: This is because the wheels are not positioned correctly. Try to avoid damaging obstacles like driving over railroad tracks slowly or try not driving over potholes. If you notice the tread on your tires is uneven, give our service center a call to schedule an appointment.
• Bad bearings: When the bearings don’t have enough lubrication to keep them working correctly, they will cause friction – causing your steering wheel to start shaking. With that said, the shaking only occurs when your vehicle is making a turn. Cleaning the bearings helps fix the problem, but when damaged, you have to replace them. The costs could cost around $430, which includes labor.
• Suspension issues: When the driveshaft is unbalanced, parts are loose, or they become worn out, this causes the steering wheel’s vibrations. The fixes are simple. But don’t wait to fix them, because these issues will cause additional, more expensive problems.
• Brake issues: Does the steering wheel shaking while the vehicle slows down? The brakes are the issue. With worn brake pads, defective brake discs, or worn shocks, the steering wheel will vibrate. Have the brake pads replaced by the MINI-trained and certified technicians at MINI of Escondido. Give us a call to receive a service quote.

Have Your Vehicle Serviced in Escondido Today!

Now that you know the answer to, “why is my steering wheel shaking?”, it’s important to bring your vehicle to our service center in the San Diego area so we can inspect, diagnose, and fix the issue promptly. Before stopping by, be sure to explore our service specials and parts coupons to help you save money. Give us a call today for additional information, to learn how to clean car mats, or to schedule a service appointment.