Is a vibrating steering wheel spoiling your driving experience?

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Is a vibrating steering wheel spoiling your
driving experience?
When your car has aged by some years, there are a
few common problems that can rise up and bother
you now and again. One such issue that many
drivers face is the vibration of the steering
wheel while driving. So if you are enjoying a
drive and suddenly the steering wheel starts to
vibrate, know that the reason can be embedded in
a variety of factors related to the cars
mechanism, both major and minor. In case you are
wondering that while driving, what does a
continuous vibration in the steering indicates,
keep reading as we will discuss the issue in
depth through this article.
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085 118 1111
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So without much ado let us start by looking into
some of the most common causes of steering wheel
vibration. While driving, what does a continuous
vibration in the steering indicate? The
steering is a major contact point between the
driver and the car. In case something is wrong
with the car, the first signs will be displayed
on the steering wheel. While an occasional
vibration or tremble can be disregarded, a
regular occurrence of such an issue definitely
calls for attention. For more driving lessons
Dublin has to offer contact us.
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085 118 1111
3
Issues related to tires
Tire problems are a major cause for vibrations in
the steering wheel while driving. Even a slight
imbalance in the alignment of the tires can
result in a vibrating steering wheel. This can
start at lower speeds and increase as the speed
rises. If you have replaced your tires, the new
tires need to be balanced properly so that the
total weight is evenly distributed among them.
Unbalanced tires can result in the further
problems related to the shock absorbers, tread
and other suspension or steering components. The
balance of between the tire and wheel assembly
while rotation can be measured in a tire spin
balancer and adjusted as needed by a mechanic.
Once the wheels are properly balanced, make sure
that the four tires have correct amount of
inflation and no rough wear. The tires are a
complex structure and any inconsistency in terms
of elasticity, strength, flexibility or dimension
can also affect the overall performance of the
car, resulting in vibrations.
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4
Misalignment
If you are driving frequently through rough roads
full of potholes, then misalignment can be a
major cause that will cause the steering to
vibrate. Misalignment happens inevitably with
time but you can minimise it by driving within
the speed limits set for the car and by not
rushing through rough roads. Upon inspection,
you might find the tire being worn out in the
interior while remaining intact on the outer
edges. In addition, if the car pulls in one
direction even after the steering wheel is
centred, it can be a case of misalignment.
Aligning the car will set the wheels and axles
in one common direction and eliminate the problem
of vibration.
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085 118 1111
5
Eroded bearings
The suspension system is designed to enhance the
comfort of the passengers through an arrangement
of pistons, rods and springs. The assembly
takes a daily pounding from damaged roads, pieces
of debris and various other factors and can get
damaged with prolonged use, resulting in
steering vibrations. While this issue is not
easy to detect and needs proper observation of
the vibration patterns, it can be solved easily
once detected. If one corner of the car is
lower than the others while on a horizontal
ground, it can be an issue with a spring.
Similarly, there can be fluid leak from the
dampers or squeaking sounds while turning, which
indicates a damaged ball joint.
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085 118 1111
6
Brake system issues
If the vibrations in the steering and the brake
pedal occur during braking the car, it is related
to brake system usually to a case of warped
rotors. This issue can be more pronounced when
the car accelerates, turns or maintains a
specific speed for some point. Since in this
case the shaking occurs upon using the brake
assembly and can even result in a burning odour
while stopping the car, it is easier to detect
and rectify the issue. This may be a case of
loose connections, worn brake cushions and shocks
or weak brake discs. A proper inspection of the
entire assembly along with necessary
replacements and cleaning needs to be done when
such issues are encountered. While inspecting,
make sure that the caliper sliders and pads are
checked and they can move freely, thereby
eliminating any brake drag.
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085 118 1111
7
Suspension issues
The suspension system is designed to enhance the
comfort of the passengers through an arrangement
of pistons, rods and springs. The assembly
takes a daily pounding from damaged roads, pieces
of debris and various other factors and can get
damaged with prolonged use, resulting in
steering vibrations. While this issue is not
easy to detect and needs proper observation of
the vibration patterns, it can be solved easily
once detected. If one corner of the car is
lower than the others while on a horizontal
ground, it can be an issue with a
spring. Similarly, there can be fluid leak from
the dampers or squeaking sounds while turning,
which indicates a damaged ball joint.
https//nationaldrivingschool.ie
085 118 1111
8
Handling steering vibrations in an effective
manner
There are some ways to handle the steering wheel
vibrations in an effective manner. Being a
driver, you may detect certain issues with
observation, but critical issues are best left
for professionals to ensure a quick
correction. Here are a few points that you can
take note of to effectively resolve the issue in
the best possible manner.
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• Observe the severity and the frequency of the
  shaking by paying close attention when it occurs.
  This will help you to find out the root cause of
  the problem.
• If the steering wheel shakes at high speed and is
  followed by any burning smell, it is best that
  you head to a service centre at the earliest.
• As a rule of thumb, while investigating the
  reason behind a steering wheel vibration, you can
  start by checking the wheels and tires, followed
  by the alignment check and finally the suspension
  system.
• For addressing complex problems, it is best to
  head for the dealers service centre or find a
  mechanic who can address your specific make and
  model competently.
• To minimise steering vibration issues, stick to
  the maintenance schedule recommended by the
  manufacturer.

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085 118 1111
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• If the vibration occurs at a certain speed, it
  can be due to the fact that a wheel is bent or a
  tire is out of round. A wheel and tire assembly
  that is out of round will have a specific
  harmonic frequency that changes with speed. When
  a certain speed is reached, this frequency
  modulation can overcome the compensation offered
  by the suspension and the vibrations can be felt
  in the steering wheel.
• Do not leave a persistent vibration alone with
  the hope that it will go away on its own. It will
  wear out your tires, cause premature wear on
  suspension components and will affect your peace
  of mind while driving. In addition, repairs not
  done in time can always lead to additional
  repairs and will also affect your driving in a
  negative manner.

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085 118 1111
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Conclusion
These are the major points that will address your
question that while driving, what does a
continuous vibration in the steering indicate?
Your car is an assembly of complex mechanical
parts working together and one imbalance can
trigger a range of effects that can lead to
noticeable problems. So once the issue has been
pinpointed, dont hesitate to rectify the problem
at the earliest.
https//nationaldrivingschool.ie
085 118 1111
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https//nationaldrivingschool.ie
085 118 1111