What to Do When Your Steering Wheel Becomes Wobbly
Photo by Hannes Egler under Unsplash License
Staying in control of your vehicle is what keeps you safe on the road. If you notice your steering wheel is shaking or vibrating when driving, this means that certain maintenance must be done soon. There are several reasons your steering wheel may be shaking or loose, such as problems with your tire balance, brake rotor condition, and suspension. No matter what the issue is, you’ll want to have your car inspected by your trusted mechanic, who can diagnose the problem and get you back behind the wheel in no time. Read on to learn more about the main reasons your steering wheel can become wobbly over time.
A shaking steering wheel is never a good sign. It’s your car telling you something is wrong. But what exactly could it be?
Figuring out the cause is important so you know what to do next. Sometimes it’s a small fix you can handle yourself. Other times, you’ll need to call in a professional mechanic.
To help you understand what might be happening, Goodwill Car Donations has listed three of the most common reasons steering wheels shake, plus what you can do about each one:
- Reason #1: Your tires are uneven or unbalanced.
Uneven tires can impact your axle and suspension, which then leads to steering wheel vibrations. This is inevitable since tires tend to get unbalanced due to several factors like poor road conditions, inflation differences, seasonal changes, and rough driving patterns.
Solution: Getting a routine tire balancing service should be your best bet. Ideally, you should have your tires balanced every 10,000 to 12,000 miles.
- Reason #2: Your brake rotors are warped.
If your steering wheel vibrates whenever you slow down or stop your car, warped brake rotors are the likeliest suspect. Bent rotors will cause the brake pads to press against an uneven surface when braking, thereby creating the vibration. You might also feel some shaking from the brake pedal each time you push your foot down on it.
Solution: You need to bring your car to your local repair shop as soon as you can. If the shaking indeed comes from your rotors, your mechanic will most likely advise you to get them replaced. However, if you got to catch the issue early enough, they may be able to resurface your rotors to make them smooth and even again.
- Reason #3: Your suspension components are loose.
Your car’s suspension consists of systems that connect your vehicle to its tires. Any components like the shock absorbers, bushings, or joints that encounter an issue can potentially produce steering wheel shaking or even a total loss of steering.
Solution: Such an instance will likely require an inspection from a professional mechanic, considering that suspension troubles can get really complicated.
As you can see, there are several reasons that your steering wheel can become wobbly, some more severe than others. If you have unbalanced or uneven tires, this is a quick fix. You can have your tires adjusted during your routine tire rotation, which should be done between every 5,000 to around 8,000 miles. The more serious signs are when your brake rotors are warped or if you have suspension components loose. Schedule a time to bring in your vehicle to your trusted local mechanic so they can take a look and make the right repairs. This will ensure they catch any other issues before they get worse, so you can get back behind the wheel and enjoy a smooth ride.
Here’s the Best Way to Dispose of a Clapped-Out Vehicle
Is a shaky steering wheel just one of the many problems making your car unsafe to drive? If you’ve lost confidence that it will ever be properly fixed, it might be time to let that clunker go.
The easiest and most rewarding way to get rid of a problematic vehicle is to donate it to Goodwill Car Donations. You will free yourself from the burden and costs of keeping an unwanted car, all while helping people in your community who are struggling.
We auction off every donated vehicle to raise money for local Goodwill organizations. These are IRS-certified nonprofits that help disadvantaged Americans. They serve people facing challenges like disabilities, a lack of education or job skills, a prison record, or welfare dependency. These barriers can make it very hard for someone to find a stable job and escape poverty.
Your local Goodwill nonprofits use the funding from your donation to provide critical services. These include job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, and disability benefits for the people they serve.
Your donation directly supports these services. This gives underprivileged people in your community the chance to use their own potential, gain skills, and work toward financial independence.
Our donation process is completely hassle-free for you. You do not have to leave your home or pay anything. We will arrange for a licensed towing company to pick up your vehicle, free of charge, anywhere in the country.
Shortly after your vehicle is sold, we will mail the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt right to your door. You can use this receipt to claim the maximum possible tax deduction during the next tax season.
You will also get the great satisfaction of knowing your donation helps create jobs and new opportunities, strengthening your entire community.
We accept nearly all types of vehicles, whether they are running or not. However, we do have some limitations. Please contact us to confirm if your specific vehicle is accepted.
If you have any questions, you can call us anytime at 866-233-8586.
Turn Your Beater into a Catalyst for Your Community’s Growth Today!
Donating your unwanted vehicle to us can make a lasting impact on the lives of the less fortunate folks in your area. Let us transform your car into a powerful tool for changing lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Photo by Ashutosh Sonwani under Pexels License