Steering Wheel Shake at Speed: Wheel Balance and Chassis Checks

Shake vs Speed

• Shake above 100km/h: Usually wheel balance
• Shake at specific speed: Bent wheel/tire or balance
• Shake when braking: Warped rotor
• Shake when accelerating: Driveshaft/CV
• Shake at low speed: Suspension play, wheel bearing

Diagnosis Steps

1. Balance wheels first (most common, cheap)
2. Check for bent wheels, bulges
3. Check tire wear patterns
4. Check rotor runout (if braking)
5. Check ball joints, wheel bearings

Reminder

If still shaking after balance, check alignment and suspension. Go simple to complex.