Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Hit a Bump? – An Expert Guide
When a vehicle hits a bump in the road, the steering wheel may shake or vibrate. This is caused by the wheels not being able to absorb the shock of hitting an obstacle and instead transferring it to the steering wheel. The shaking can be minor or quite severe, depending on the size of the bump and how fast the vehicle was travelling when it hit it. In some cases, it can even be dangerous as it can make controlling the vehicle more difficult. If this shaking persists or occurs frequently, it is important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible in order to determine the cause of the problem and fix any potential issues.
Diagnosing the Problem of Steering Wheel Shaking
When your steering wheel shakes, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your automobile. There are several potential issues that can cause this problem, so it’s important to take the time to properly diagnose and repair the issue before it becomes more serious.
Visual Inspection
The first step in diagnosing the problem of steering wheel shaking is to perform a visual inspection of your vehicle. Start by checking the tire wear and tread depth. If the tires are worn or balding, they may be causing your steering wheel to shake. If this is the case, you will need to replace your tires as soon as possible.
You should also check the suspension and shock absorber for any signs of damage or wear. Worn or damaged suspension components can lead to steering wheel shaking, so these components should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
Test Drive
Once you have visually inspected your vehicle, you will need to take it out for a test drive in order to further diagnose the problem. Start by driving on bumpy roads in order to see if your steering wheel shakes when you hit a bump or pothole. If it does, this means that there is an issue with either the suspension or tires that needs to be addressed before continuing with any other diagnosis steps.
Next, try driving at high speeds on both straight and curvy roads in order to see if this affects your steering wheel shaking. If it does, then you may have an issue with alignment or balance which needs to be addressed immediately in order for you to have safe control over your vehicle when driving at higher speeds.
Diagnosing Steering Problems
When you hit a bump and your steering wheel shakes, it can be a symptom of several different problems. In order to properly diagnose the issue, it is important to understand the complexity of the steering system and how it works. Computer diagnostics can be used to scan for fault codes and analyze system performance data.
Measuring Vehicle Alignment and Geometry
The next step in diagnosing steering problems is measuring vehicle alignment and geometry. This includes taking measurements of toe, camber, caster & setback angles. Adjusting these angles can help optimize performance. If any of these angles are off, it can cause the vehicle to pull in one direction or cause vibrations when driving over bumps.
Balancing the Wheels for Optimal Performance
Balancing the wheels is another important factor in diagnosing steering issues. Rotating tires helps ensure even wear across all four tires and balancing them using road force balancing technique helps ensure that they all have an even amount of weight distribution. Unevenly weighted wheels can cause vibrations when driving over bumps or at higher speeds which will be felt through the steering wheel.
In conclusion, when you hit a bump and your steering wheel shakes, there are several potential causes that need to be investigated in order to diagnose the issue properly. Computer diagnostics should be used to scan for fault codes and analyze system performance data followed by measuring vehicle alignment and geometry and then balancing the wheels for optimal performance.
FAQ & Answers
Q: What causes my steering wheel to shake when I hit a bump?
A: When you hit a bump with your car, it can cause the steering wheel to shake due to a variety of factors such as incorrect tire tread or balance, suspension or shock absorbers, and vehicle alignment.
Q: What should I do if my steering wheel shakes when I hit a bump?
A: If your steering wheel shakes when you hit a bump, you should first visually inspect your vehicle for signs of tire wear and tread depth, suspension and shock absorber issues, and any other potential problems. You should then take your car for a test drive on a bumpy road to see if the shaking persists. If it does, then you may need to have your car’s computer diagnostics scanned for any fault codes or data analysis of system performance.
Q: How do I measure vehicle alignment and geometry?
A: Measuring vehicle alignment and geometry involves taking measurements of the toe, camber, caster and setback angles of the tires. These measurements are then adjusted to optimize performance.
Q: How do I balance my wheels for optimal performance?
A: Wheels can be balanced for optimal performance by rotating the tires regularly for even wear, as well as using a road force balancing technique. This technique uses specialized equipment that measures the force exerted on each tire as it rotates on a roller to ensure proper balance.
Q: What is road force balancing?
A: Road force balancing is a specialized technique that uses special equipment to measure the force exerted on each tire as it rotates on a roller to ensure proper balance. This helps ensure that tires are balanced correctly so that they can perform optimally without resulting in steering wheel vibrations or shakiness when driving over bumps.
In conclusion, when you hit a bump and your steering wheel shakes, it is likely due to a problem with your suspension or steering system. If this continues to happen after hitting bumps, it is best to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle to check for any damage or worn parts that may be causing the issue. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent costly repairs in the future.
Author Profile
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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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