Why Does Your Wheel Move Side to Side When It’s Jacked Up?

When a wheel is jacked up, it will move from side to side as the weight of the vehicle is no longer evenly distributed. This is due to the fact that when a wheel is lifted off the ground, the weight of the vehicle shifts and causes the wheel to move. This can be particularly noticeable when only one wheel is lifted off the ground, as this causes an imbalance in the weight distribution on that side of the vehicle. In some cases, this movement can cause damage to suspension components if not monitored closely.

Maintaining Automobile Wheels

Staying up to date with the maintenance of your car’s wheels is important for safe driving. Properly inflated tires and secure lug nuts are essential for a smooth ride. Checking these components regularly can help you avoid potential problems down the road.

Check Tire Pressure

The first step in maintaining your automobile wheels is to check the air pressure in each tire. This should be done at least once a month, and more often when the temperature changes drastically. Keeping the correct tire pressure will give you better fuel economy and also help your car handle better. You can find the recommended pressure level in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the inside of the driver’s door frame.

Inspect Tires for Wear and Tear

It is also important to inspect your tires for wear and tear. Look for any cracks or bulges in the sidewall of the tire, which could indicate that it needs to be replaced soon. Also check for any objects lodged in the tread of the tire, such as nails or glass, which could cause a flat tire if not removed promptly. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it is best to have them checked out by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Check Lug Nuts

The next step is to check your lug nuts to make sure they are tight and secure. Lug nuts are responsible for keeping your wheels attached to your car, so they need to be properly tightened at all times. If you notice that any of them are loose, use a lug wrench to tighten them up until they are snug but not overly tight.

Tighten Lug Nuts

Once all of your lug nuts have been checked and tightened if necessary, you can use a torque wrench to make sure each one is properly tightened according to manufacturer’s specifications. This will ensure that your wheels remain secure while driving and reduce any potential vibration or shaking caused by loose lug nuts.

Causes of Wheels Moving Side To Side on Automobiles

When jacked up, automobile wheels may move side-to-side due to several different causes such as damaged suspension components like worn out ball joints, tie rods or faulty shock absorbers . Worn out ball joints can cause excessive play which results in side-to-side movement when jacked up . A worn out tie rod end can also contribute towards this movement . Faulty shock absorbers may create an uneven distribution of weight across all four tires resulting in sideways movement when jacked up . To help prevent this from happening , it is important to regularly inspect all suspension components for wear and tear , and replace them as needed before they become too damaged .

Automobile Wheel Movement Issues

Automobiles depend on a functioning wheel system to operate correctly. When wheels move side to side when jacked up, it is an indication that there may be an issue that needs to be addressed. Uneven tire wear, worn out brakes, misaligned wheels, unbalanced tires, overinflated or underinflated tires and loose lug nuts can all cause a wheel to move when jacked up.

Jack Up the Vehicle and Test the Wheels Manually

When trying to determine why a wheel is moving side to side when jacked up, the first step is to jack up the vehicle and test the wheels manually. By jacking up each wheel one at a time and pushing or pulling on it gently with your hands you can determine if there is any movement in the wheel that shouldn’t be there. If there is movement you’ll need to further investigate what might be causing it.

Test the Tire Pressure with a Tire Gauge

The next step in diagnosing why a wheel moves side to side when jacked up is to test the tire pressure with a tire gauge. Overinflated or underinflated tires can cause excessive movement in a wheel when it is jacked up. If your tires are not inflated properly they should be adjusted accordingly by adding air or letting air out as necessary.

Inspect the Tires for Uneven Wear or Damage

Another issue that can cause a wheel to move side to side when jacked up is uneven wear or damage on the tires themselves. Visually inspect each tire for signs of wear such as bald spots, cracks or bulges in the sidewall. If any of these conditions are present they should be addressed immediately as they could indicate more serious issues with your vehicle’s suspension system or alignment.

How to Fix a Wheel That Moves Side to Side When Jacked Up

In order to fix a wheel that moves side-to-side when jacked up, it will likely require some sort of repair work such as replacing worn out parts such as brakes, bearings and bushings, checking and adjusting alignment angles such as camber and toe angles, balancing your tires and/or replacing them if necessary. It may also require some sort of additional modification such as adding stiffer springs or shocks in order make sure that all of these components are working together properly so that the wheel won’t move when it is jacked up again in the future.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What causes a wheel to move side to side when jacked up?
A: The most common cause of a wheel moving side to side when jacked up is damaged suspension components such as worn out ball joints, tie rods, and shock absorbers. Uneven tire wear due to worn out brakes, misaligned wheels, unbalanced tires, or overinflated or underinflated tires can also be a factor. Loose lug nuts can also cause this issue.

Q: What should I do if my wheel moves side to side when jacked up?
A: To diagnose the problem, start by jacking up the vehicle and testing the wheels manually. You should then check the tire pressure with a tire gauge and inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage. If necessary, replace any worn out suspension components or adjust the alignment of your wheels. Make sure all lug nuts are properly tightened before taking your vehicle back on the road.

Q: How can I prevent my wheels from moving side to side when jacked up?
A: To avoid having your wheels move side to side when jacked up, make sure to regularly check and maintain your vehicle’s tires and suspension components. Have your vehicle frequently serviced by a professional mechanic and inspect your tires for any signs of wear or tear. Additionally, make sure that all lug nuts are properly tightened before driving on the road.

Q: How often should I inspect my automobile’s wheels?
A: It is recommended that you inspect your automobile’s wheels every 6 months or at least once a year for signs of wear or damage. During these inspections, check the tire pressure with a tire gauge and look for any uneven wear in the treads that could indicate an alignment issue. Make sure all lug nuts are securely fastened before taking your car back on the road.

Q: Are there any other safety checks I should perform on my automobile’s wheels?
A: In addition to inspecting the condition of your automobile’s tires and suspension components regularly, it is important to check its tire pressure as well as its alignment every 6 months or at least once a year by an experienced professional mechanic. Make sure that all lug nuts are properly tightened before driving on public roads as well for maximum safety behind the wheel.

In conclusion, wheel moves side to side when jacked up is a common issue faced in automobiles. It can be caused by worn suspension components, misaligned wheels, or loose steering. To avoid this issue, it is important to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicle by regularly checking the suspension components, wheel alignment and steering components.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch

With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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