No one likes it when their steering wheel jerks left and right while driving. This is a sure sign that there’s something going wrong with your vehicle. There are multiple potential causes for a shaking steering wheel, and some of them may even surprise you. Let’s see what they are:
Here Is Why Steering Wheel Jerks Left And Right While Driving?
If the road is smooth and your ride still feels jerky, there’s nothing to blame except for the vehicle itself.
1. Tires Out Of Balance:-
This is the most common reason that you might experience a steering wheel jerks while driving. If your tires are out of alignment or out of balance, they may send shakes through your vehicle and to the steering wheel. Shaking from tires that are out of balance is likely to start when you’re going around 50 miles per hour or faster, though it may start to become less noticeable again at higher speeds.
2. Problems With Brake Rotors:-
If your steering wheel shakes a lot while you’re braking, that could mean that your rotors are out of round. In other words, the rotors have started to wear out, lose their shape, and become warped. In this instance, you’re also likely to feel some vibrations through the brake pedal whenever you press your foot down on it.
3. Worn Suspension Components:-
Unlike problems with the tires and brake rotors, it’s also possible for suspension and alignment problems to cause shaking while driving. Shaking as a result of a worn ball joint or tie rod is more common in older vehicles than newer ones, so this deserves some extra consideration if you’ve been driving the same car for a while.
4. Broken Engine Mount:-
The Engine problems like air induction, fuel delivery, or spark-related issues can be manifested through shaking and can be felt throughout the entire car, but it’s usually the steering wheel that will give you a heads-up before that happens. Problems like this can disrupt the car from running smoothly, resulting in a distinct vibration from the engine compartment.
5. Problems With Brake Pads:-
The front brake system is connected to the knuckle arm, the knuckle arm is connected with the steering rack end, which is connected to the steering column, and then finally the steering wheel. So if the rotor is still in good condition, the possible cause of steering wheel shakes when braking often comes from the brake pads themselves.
6. Brake Calipers:-
A faulty or stuck brake caliper can also be responsible for some vibrations as well, but it’s usually only present in older cars. In this scenario, the steering wheel will only start vibrating at 50 mph or so, followed by a burning smell.
7. Worn Out Brakes:-
A blown engine may not allow you to drive the car, but faulty brakes will fail to stop the car, which is way more dangerous. Normally if there is a brake issue, you will only feel steering wheel vibration while braking.
Hence, these are some reasons behind the cause of the steering wheel jerks left and right while driving.
How To Deal With The Issue Of Jerking Steering Wheel While Driving?
Step 1:-
If the tires are out balance the first thing you need to check in this situation is whether or not all of your tires are properly inflated. If one or more of your tires is flat, it will create a lack of balance that affects your ability to steer the vehicle properly.
Step 2:-
If the tires themselves look fine but the problem persists, it could be possible that the issue lies somewhere in between the tires themselves and your steering wheel. Your axle could have become bent or otherwise damaged by an accident, and this will prevent the tires and steering wheel from communicating properly through the drivetrain. If you notice sudden jerks in the steering wheel, this could be the problem.
Step 3:-
If your steering wheel is wobbling too much, it could be a sign that the wheel bearings, tie rod ends, or ball joints are damaged. To help a mechanic diagnose and resolve this problem, take note of when you’re experiencing the most shake while driving.
Step 4:-
It’s possible that the rotors weren’t installed correctly, and an inability of the brake pads to clamp together efficiently is what’s causing the vehicle to vibrate. Take your vehicle to the auto shop as soon as possible, and the mechanics will take a look to determine if your brake rotors need to be resurfaced, replaced, or simply adjusted.
Step 5:-
The steering wheel jerks left and right while driving could be because of the brake pads. If the rotor is still in good condition, then it’s time to look at the pads themselves. If the vibration gets worse when you apply the brakes. It means the problem is almost definitely somewhere in the braking system. The rotors and the pads are the most likely culprits, but it’s important to investigate the entire system until the problem can be identified and resolved.
Step 6:-
The suspension components can become loose and develop the play. You’ll start to notice some pretty severe vibrations once you get your car above 45 miles per hour or so. It’s best to stop the car at the shop as soon as possible to avoid such problems.
Hence, these are some basic steps that can help you to determine the problem properly. However, it is suggested to take the help of the professionals. To solve the problem of jerking the steering wheel.
Conclusion:-
We hope the above-mentioned information about the problem of the steering wheel jerks left and right while driving will be helpful to all the readers. If anybody’s doubts persist feel free to comment in the comment section below. We’ll try to solve your doubts as soon as possible.