QA

Quick Answer: Why My Steering Wheel Shakes When I Brake

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. Even if you just got new brakes installed, vibrations while braking is a sign of a serious problem.

Why does my steering wheel shake when I brake at high speed?

Unevenly-worn or warped brake discs (rotors) can cause the steering wheel to shake when brakes are applied. In most cases this issue is caused by warped or unevenly-worn front brake rotors (discs), although there could be other reasons. Warped or rusted rear drums can also cause brake pedal pulsation.

Why is my car shaking when I brake?

Over time, brake pads accumulate oil, dirt, or other materials. When this happens, the substances can cause vibrations, particularly when you press the brake pads. Also, over time the rotors get thinner, making them susceptible to damage. During braking, excessive heat is generated and can cause the rotors to warp.

How do I fix my steering wheel shaking?

In most cases, a wheel alignment will stop the shaking by ensuring all wheels are positioned in the same direction. One of the quickest ways to diagnose misalignment is to check the tire’s tread. A vehicle out of alignment will often make tires wear unevenly, with the inside tread worn much more than the outside.

Is it safe to drive with a shaking 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.

How much does it cost to fix a warped rotor?

Like the brake pads, the brake discs can eventually wear out as well. If you want to replace your brake discs then it will cost you between $200 and $400 for the parts and about $150 for the labor. This means you are looking at around $400 to $500 total for a brake rotor replacement job.

How much does it cost to balance rotors?

Your rotors can be turned (rotated), machines and still be within factory guidelines, but this usually leaves them thin whereby leaving them to warp or vibrate. The cost for turning a rotor runs anywhere from $15 to $25 per rotor.

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.

Why does my steering wheel shake when I brake at 40 mph?

The most common reason for a car to shake is related to tires. If the tires are out of balance then the steering wheel can shake. This shaking starts at around 50-55 miles per hour (mph). If your steering wheel shakes while you are braking then the problem could be caused by “out of round” brake rotors.

Can bad alignment cause vibration when braking?

Alignment Issues If your vehicle is out of alignment, then you’re likely to notice pedal vibration when you step on the brakes. Misalignment can also cause many other problems, such as rapid tire wear and damage to suspension components.

Can a bad wheel bearing cause brake problems?

We found significant play in the bearing, which can lead to a soft brake pedal. Brake rotors are held in alignment by wheel bearings. If you have a faulty or loose wheel bearing, the rotor will wobble on its axis. This causes a low or spongy brake pedal.

Why does my steering wheel shake at 25 mph?

The most common cause of vehicle wobbles in this speed range is a bent wheel or mildly out of round tire. Transmission and drive line issues can also show up in this range, but tires are the first thing to check.

Is it OK to drive with warped rotors?

In case you suspect any problem with rotors or that your car’s brakes are failing, avoid driving your vehicle and make a mechanic oppintment right away. Driving with warped rotors will result in a brake system failure, which can cause injury to yourself and those around you.

Can I drive with warped brake rotors?

driving with warped rotors is not considered safe, and the brake rotors can eventually crack or break, leaving the vehicle at an extreme loss of braking power. when brake rotors become warped, the amount of force moving the steering wheel back and forth may be violent, and enough to lose control of the steering wheel.

How do you tell if my rotors are warped?

Signs Your Rotors Are Damaged If you notice your steering wheel or brake pedal wobble when you apply the brakes to slow down or stop, chances are your rotors are warped. If the warp isn’t too bad, you might not really notice the shaking. If the warp is serious, you’ll definitely feel the vibration.

Does AutoZone turn rotors free?

Turning rotors is a part of your regular maintenance schedule that increases the longevity of your brakes. The cheapest place to turn your rotors is O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, although not every store offers this service. Alternate options include Pep Boys, Jiffy Lube, and AutoZone.

How often should rotors be replaced?

Ideally, you should have your brake pads replaced between every 10,000 and 20,000 miles, and your rotors replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles.