Steering wheel vibrates or shakes Inspection

SKU 20527 Category

Steering wheel vibrates or shakes Inspection

How this system works:

The front wheels of a car perform more than one function. They do most of the braking, put some or all of the power from the engine to the road, and, of course, do the essential job of steering the car. This means that the steering system has to work around a lot of other components under the hood.

There are a few key components that mechanics can find within almost every steering system:

  • Steering Wheel: The wheel gives the driver control over where they want to go. Sometimes the dash will shake along with the wheel. This also is where you will feel most of your problems.
  • Steering Column: The column is what brings the rotation down to the front wheels. It turns the wheels in the direction you want to go.
  • Steering Gearbox: This is used in older vehicles. The gear transfers the turning from the steering wheel down through the linkage to the wheels.
  • Steering Rack and Pinion: The rack and pinion system is on the majority of newer cars. While this performs the same function as a steering gearbox, it is easier to steer the wheels with this system.
  • Wheels: Wheels are what steer the car left and right. Wheels and tires take a beating, especially when the roads are not well maintained. Potholes, divots and other surface problems can wreak havoc on your wheels. Sadly, they are often overlooked and abused without a second thought aside from the occasional air-pressure check. This is unfortunate, as the wheels are the most likely culprit in the event of an unusual vibration in the steering wheel.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • The wheels are out of balance or loose. Both loose lug nuts or unbalanced wheels can cause the steering wheel to vibrate, usually becoming noticeable at a certain speed. The shaky steering will typically not be evident 8 km/h below that speed or 8 km/h above that speed.
  • Wheel bearings can cause vibrations when they fail, but you will generally hear a noise if this occurs.
  • Tires are excessively worn or unevenly worn due to suspension problems.
  • Brake rotors are warped or glazed over. This only applies if the vibration occurs when braking.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the steering system issue and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it’s done:

The mechanic will begin by inspecting the wheels and tyres and then move on to check the steering from inside the car. If nothing seems problematic at that point, they will check under the hood and under the vehicle to see if any steering or suspension components are bent or broken.

How important is this service?

The steering system is a crucial part of your car’s safe operation. Book a mechanic to perform a thorough inspection as soon as possible.

Description

Steering wheel vibrates or shakes Inspection

How this system works:

The front wheels of a car perform more than one function. They do most of the braking, put some or all of the power from the engine to the road, and, of course, do the essential job of steering the car. This means that the steering system has to work around a lot of other components under the hood.

There are a few key components that mechanics can find within almost every steering system:

  • Steering Wheel: The wheel gives the driver control over where they want to go. Sometimes the dash will shake along with the wheel. This also is where you will feel most of your problems.
  • Steering Column: The column is what brings the rotation down to the front wheels. It turns the wheels in the direction you want to go.
  • Steering Gearbox: This is used in older vehicles. The gear transfers the turning from the steering wheel down through the linkage to the wheels.
  • Steering Rack and Pinion: The rack and pinion system is on the majority of newer cars. While this performs the same function as a steering gearbox, it is easier to steer the wheels with this system.
  • Wheels: Wheels are what steer the car left and right. Wheels and tires take a beating, especially when the roads are not well maintained. Potholes, divots and other surface problems can wreak havoc on your wheels. Sadly, they are often overlooked and abused without a second thought aside from the occasional air-pressure check. This is unfortunate, as the wheels are the most likely culprit in the event of an unusual vibration in the steering wheel.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • The wheels are out of balance or loose. Both loose lug nuts or unbalanced wheels can cause the steering wheel to vibrate, usually becoming noticeable at a certain speed. The shaky steering will typically not be evident 8 km/h below that speed or 8 km/h above that speed.
  • Wheel bearings can cause vibrations when they fail, but you will generally hear a noise if this occurs.
  • Tires are excessively worn or unevenly worn due to suspension problems.
  • Brake rotors are warped or glazed over. This only applies if the vibration occurs when braking.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the steering system issue and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it’s done:

The mechanic will begin by inspecting the wheels and tyres and then move on to check the steering from inside the car. If nothing seems problematic at that point, they will check under the hood and under the vehicle to see if any steering or suspension components are bent or broken.

How important is this service?

The steering system is a crucial part of your car’s safe operation. Book a mechanic to perform a thorough inspection as soon as possible.

view our available expert Mobile Mechanics

What our customers have to say about Fixxr

Osweld Dube Prompt and Insightful

Monday July 28, 2025 I requested a quote to replace Brakes on my car and was booked immediately for 11:30am. Osweld arrived 30 minutes before and was helpful when I did not have the correct parts. Having spent the entire day to get the correct parts and do the replacement. Although I was not present during the replacement, my husband was, and he was very friendly and knowledgeable. Fantastic Service. I would hope to have him as the mechanic in my next round of repair/replacements.
Manet fernandez
30 July 2025

Minor service

No words can explain how excellent is Norman with his job. He is just an amazing mechanic who knows exactly what his doing and he did his job with so much care. Thank you.
Thando
28 July 2025

Osweld Dube Review

Thank you for quick response and excellent service. I will definitely contact you again when I need assistance with my vehicle
Liana Hugo
28 July 2025

Diagnostic - Mlungisi Kubisi

Mlu is very thorough, professional, patient, has high technical expertise and is extremely knowledgeable. He gave me outstanding service, supplemntary support and expert advice. He did a stellar job. I would highly recommend him.
Sandisile Somnono
21 July 2025

Great mechanic

Osweld was great. Polite, helpful and knows what he is doing. Explained as he went along which was very helpful.
Sharon cort
8 July 2025

Oswald Dube

Such a great ambassador for your company. Well spoken, very knowledgeable. Great person to deal with.
Marinus
2 July 2025

Replacement of Break Discs and Break Pads - Landrover Discovery

I recently had my brake discs and pads replaced on my Land Rover Discovery, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the service. The mechanic was exceptionally punctual, arriving exactly when promised—something that’s rare and greatly appreciated.

Throughout the job, he displayed a high level of professionalism and mechanical skill, completing the work efficiently and with clear attention to detail. What really stood out was his ability to explain everything in a way I could understand, along with sound recommendations on other areas that may need attention down the line—without any pressure to get extra work done immediately.

Overall, this was a smooth, stress-free experience and I’d confidently recommend him to any Land Rover owner looking for reliable, expert service.

Tendai Zauyamakando
3 July 2025

Quick and friendly

He came to do a job after hours and made sure that everything is as it should. He explained every procedure.
Noel
17 June 2025

Brake Pads Car Computer Scan

I had my brake pads replaced and a car computer scan done, and I’m really happy with the service. He was punctual, friendly, and took the time to explain everything clearly. Very insightful and professional throughout the whole process. I’d definitely recommend him to anyone needing reliable car work.
Mbuyselo
9 June 2025

Other Fixxr Offerings

Price Match Guarentee

We will match and beat any competitors quote.

Service & Maintenance Plans

Keep your  car in top shape all year round without the stress of large upfront payments!

FLeet repair & maintenance

Your fleet is an asset and a money-maker. We offer services for commercial and personal fleets, keeping your wheels on the road.

Not Ready to Book? Request a quote Instead

Not Seeing the Right Option? Tell Us What’s Going On