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Find out why your steering wheel shakes when braking at Beck & Masten Buick GMC North.
One of the most uneasy feelings is when you notice your car shudder when driving. Is it a flat tire, did a giant pothole damage my suspension, or do I have a busted driveshaft? There are several components that could be the reason the car is vibrating, and the severity of the potential damage can vary greatly. The most probable cause of the vibrating generally occurs in the vicinity of your car’s tires and rims. They plant the vehicle to the road, and if anything is broken, you’re going to notice. It could be something like a broken control arm or a broken transmission. These more serious component failures might leave you stranded on the side of the road.
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If a vehicle is shuddering before you even start driving, then there’s a chance that you have some broken car parts. The most obvious reasons for your car shaking at idle are:
Broken Driveshaft – If damaged or not perfectly balanced, it might be the source of the shudders
CV joints That Have Gone Bad – Working in conjunction with the drive shaft, cv joints get the power from the engine to the wheels and, if broken, can be the source of your vehicle shaking in idle.
Failed Engine Mounts – As the name indicates, these parts help affix the engine to the vehicle. If they are damaged or broken, it can let the engine move around under the hood.
If you’ve realized there is a new shudder in your vehicle, then bring it to us for a thorough inspection. Our skilled technicians will find the reason for the shaking and get you back on the road.
If you got new tires recently, then the car vibrating could be from the tires that weren’t balanced correctly. Balancing the tires makes sure the weight of the tires and wheels are evenly distributed for the smoothest ride possible. So, if you notice the tire shuddering when you are driving, it may be a tire that isn’t balanced. If you can confirm that the tires are properly balanced, but your car is still shaking, be sure to check if the lugnuts are fully tightened, and ensure the tires are inflated to the correct air pressure. If you find that your tires are the root of the vibration, you should have them looked at immediately.
If the car shakes when braking, that is a pretty obvious indicator that you should have the brakes looked at. The most obvious reason for your steering wheel vibration is warped rotors. When drivers push down on the brake pedal, pieces of metal called brake pads compress against the brake rotors to create friction which will then bring your vehicle to a stop. If you want smooth braking, you need a smooth surface. A warped brake rotor surface will cause shakes when braking, kind of like how a brick road feels bumpier than an asphalt highway. Other causes of the vibrating include stuck calipers or damaged shocks. If you feel your steering wheel begin to wobble, bring it in to get it inspected.
Beck & Masten Buick GMC North is an ideal destination for all your auto service needs in Houston. Our professional staff is standing by to help you get your vehicle back on the road safely, no matter its make or model. Schedule your next auto service with us online or in person.
