Why Is My Car’s Steering Wheel Shaking When Braking?

why is my car's steering wheel shaking when braking?

It’s unnerving when your car shakes while you are driving. Is it a tire puncture? Did that giant pothole ruin my suspension? Do I have a broken driveshaft? There are a few components that could be the reason the vehicle is vibrating, and the severity of the potential problems can fluctuate greatly.

The most common cause of the shaking usually occurs in the tires and wheels. The tires and wheels plant your car to the road, and if anything is broken, it can lead to vibrations where you don’t expect them. It could be something like a broken transmission mount or a broken caliper. These more serious failures may leave you stranded on the side of the road. Before you jump to the worst-case scenario, the service center at Mandal Buick GMC has some reasons why your steering wheel shakes while braking or why you have a vibrating steering wheel.


READ MORE: Why Are My Car’s Dashlights Flickering?



Why is My Car Shaking in Idle?

Why is My Car Shaking in Idle?

If your vehicle is vibrating before you even start driving, then there’s a good chance that you have some broken car parts. The most obvious causes of a car shaking at idle are:

  • A Broken Driveshaft – If not perfectly balanced or damaged, it could cause vibrations
  • Worn CV joints – Working together with the driveshaft, CV joints get the engine power to the wheels and, if broken, can be the source of your car shaking.
  • Broken Engine Mounts – As the name indicates, these parts help secure the engine to the car. If they are broken or just damaged, it can make the engine move around under the hood.

If you’ve realized there is a vibration in your vehicle, then bring it in, and we’ll inspect it and diagnose the problem. Our knowledgeable technicians will diagnose the reason for the vibration and get you back on the road quickly.

Is Your Car Shaking After New Tires?

If you recently bought different wheels and tires and your vehicle’s steering wheel vibrates when braking, it could be from the tires that are not balanced correctly. Balancing the tires makes sure the weight of the tires and wheels is evenly distributed for the smoothest drive possible. So, if you notice the tire shaking while you are driving, it could very well be a tire that isn’t balanced properly.

If the new tires and wheels are balanced, but your car is still vibrating, ensure the tires are inflated to the correct air pressure. Make sure the lug nuts are fully tightened and the tire pressure is correct. If your tires are causing the vibration, you should get it checked out immediately. If your car shakes when braking, it’s definitely something to have our service center team check, so schedule an appointment with us.

My Steering Wheel Shakes

I Have a Vibrating Steering Wheel

If the steering wheel shakes when braking, that’s a sign that you need to have your brakes checked. The most obvious cause of your vibrating steering wheel is warped brake rotors. When you push down on the brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze the brake rotors to bring your car to a stop. Smooth braking requires a smooth surface. A warped surface will make the steering wheel shake when braking, like how a brick road feels rougher than a highway. Other possible causes of the shaking include frozen brake calipers or damaged suspension components. If you notice your steering wheel beginning to wobble, bring it to us, and we’ll check it out.

Schedule Service for Buick GMC Near Biloxi

Mandal Buick GMC is an ideal destination for all your auto service needs near Diberville. Our professional staff is standing by to help you get your vehicle back on the road safely, no matter its make or model. So whether you’re looking for answers on why your steering wheel vibrates when braking or why your car shakes when braking, then our service center team is here to help. Contact us for answers to all of your service questions.

Mandal Buick GMC 30.45104, -88.89944.