Why Is My Lexus Steering Wheel Shaking
Though you drive a Lexus, you are not immune from occasional mechanical issues, routine maintenance, accidents, and more. Things happen. If you’re driving and suddenly notice your steering wheel shaking or vibrating, what should you do?
First things first. Let's answer the question of whether or not you should still be driving if you have a shaking steering wheel. Is it safe? The fact that your steering wheel is shaking or vibrating is a warning sign. While you can still drive the car, as soon as possible bring it to an expert Lexus technician like those you find at Prestige Lexus. Most of the time, there are five issues that can lead to shaky steering, which are as follows:
- Issues with the suspension
- Your brake caliper is sticking
- Problems with your tires not being balanced
- Trouble with the steering alignment
- Brake rotors are warped
Let's take a look at each of the just-listed items individually.
Suspension
Including bushings, joints, springs/coils, shock absorbers and more, the tires of your car are connected through a network of systems to the suspension on your vehicle. The vehicle's handling can be thrown off if an issue is encountered in any component. Steering wheel shaking can be the result of suspension issues which, if you've ruled out other causes, can be verified by having a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle.
Brake Caliper
Though brake calipers causing steering wheel vibration is rare, it happens. Each time you stop or slow your vehicle, you lower your brake pads which are held by brake calipers. They can become stuck or sticky – referred to as seizing – and that means trouble. Your steering wheel may pull or shake if this issue exists.
Tires
It's amazing how much trouble tires can cause if they are not properly inflated, are worn, etc. It's important to always have the tires on your Lexus properly inflated, in good condition, and properly balanced. If your tires are not balanced correctly, your steering wheel might shake. What causes them to become unbalanced if you already had them balanced? This could be differences in inflation, poor road conditions, rough driving patterns, seasonal changes, and more. Routinely have your tires balanced to avoid this problem.
Alignment
The alignment of your tires can be thrown off over time by rough driving, road turbulence, and other hazards. The result is a particularly skewed angle at which your wheels rest. Vibrations and wheel shaking can occur even if an alignment issue is slight. The symptoms and issues of this problem can be easily addressed by a wheel alignment service provider. You may be able to get a free alignment inspection if you're not sure whether or not this is what’s causing steering wheel vibration/shaking.
Brake Rotors
If, particularly when you stop or slow your vehicle, you notice shaking or vibration in the steering wheel, this could signal warped brake rotors. To stop or slow the movement of your vehicle, your brake pads press the flat, smooth surface of your brake rotors. Especially if brake pads are not properly maintained/replaced, your rotors can become bent over time by pressure. Brake rotor replacement should fix the problem.
Do you own a Lexus that needs the tires balanced, steering aligned, the brakes replaced, or something else? At Prestige Lexus, we've got you covered. Click here to access information about our award-winning parts and service department. If you prefer, you can also schedule service online or phone us at 844-265-1187.