Your car’s suspension system is an intricate system composed of many interdependent parts, which may become compromised over time. Shaking from your steering wheel when driving at low speeds typically indicates suspension issues. Unbalanced or unevenly worn tires will generate vibrations through your vehicle and to your steering wheel, often more noticeable during braking or driving over rough road surfaces.
1. Tires
Tires are your car’s main point of contact with the road, so they should be the starting point when investigating a shaking steering wheel. Low tyre pressure, incorrect rotation or any minor imbalance between tires may all contribute to this trembling feeling in your hands.
Damaged wheel bearings can also cause vibration, which is relatively straightforward to diagnose and replace. Loose tie rod ends or ball joints may produce similar vibration, although this problem often only manifests itself while cornering and should be visited upon by your mechanic for evaluation.
No matter the cause, shaking steering wheels are never welcome in a vehicle. They can be distracting, annoying and potentially unsafe – which is why taking action as soon as you notice one should be your top priority.
2. Brakes
If your steering wheel vibrates at low speeds it could be due to brake judder, suspension or tyre issues (though these typically only manifest at higher speeds). Shaking during braking is known as brake judder and may indicate any number of issues with either your brakes or suspension systems.
Warped rotors, the circular plates used by brake pads to slow and stop your vehicle, can become warped over time due to overheating, which may heat them to lose their shape – this poses a very real and potentially life-threatening risk that must be addressed immediately.
To detect warped rotors, locate a safe location to park and pull over. Use your fingers to feel each of the rotors; any that seem hotter than others indicate this could be an issue. A mechanic can replace these old ones with new ones to resolve your shaking issue and reduce its intensity.
3. Suspension
If your steering wheel shakes at low speeds, this could be caused by any number of issues ranging from loose bolts, tire wear or brake problems to more serious complications that threaten vehicle stability and safety. Addressing these concerns immediately is crucial as they could escalate quickly into more serious ones that jeopardise both safety and stability of your ride.
If the shaking only happens when pressing on the brake pedal, this could be a telltale sign of warped or worn out brake rotor discs that require replacement to ensure safe driving conditions.
When your car’s suspension system is working as intended, it allows the driver to comfortably navigate uneven and bumpy roads while still enjoying an uninterrupted journey. If your car is experiencing shaking at low speeds, booking a wheel alignment service could ensure weight is distributed equally across your tyres and ensure smooth ride quality for everyone involved.
4. Wheels
If the steering wheel shakes when you brake, this could be an indicator that your front rotor discs have become warped, your brake pads have worn down over time or that there’s an issue with your caliper that needs immediate attention. These issues must be taken care of immediately to prevent further problems from developing.
If your steering wheel shakes at all speeds, this could be caused by many things; including out of balance tires (usually most noticeable at higher speeds). Also possible are alignment problems in the steering linkage or worn arm/ball joints – conduct a test by holding onto both 12 o’clock positions of the wheel while wiggling to see if there is play between these positions and see if there is any apparent play between these.
An axle problem can cause steering system vibrations; although this is less likely now as most vehicles use rear-wheel drive systems. A mechanic should inspect and repair or replace damaged components on an axle as soon as possible.
5. Axle
Axles are an integral component in every car. They transfer power from the engine and move your vehicle in both forward and reverse motion, as well as providing stability by keeping its structure upright.
Axles can be found in all cars, both front wheel drive vehicles and rear-wheel drive automobiles. Rear wheel drive automobiles use driveshafts connected to an engine to transmit rotational force to the rear wheels via differential and an axle known as a drive axle or, more commonly, semi-floating axle assembly.
Axles can often be referred to more broadly as driving axles or dead axles. A more precise definition of an axle would include connecting two coaxial wheels; however, most people understand this term to refer to any pair of coaxial wheels, making a front-wheel drive car’s front axle fit this definition perfectly.
6. Driveshaft
An unusual vibration in your steering wheel could indicate a problem with the driveshaft, which transfers power from engine to wheels. This may indicate that its integrity has been compromised as a result of an accident and has become damaged, or simply bent or broken altogether – an urgent situation which needs professional investigation immediately.
Driving with a shaking steering wheel can be both stressful and distracting, especially at lower speeds. If your car shakes during your drive, this could be due to various issues including brake, suspension or wheel issues (though higher speed driving increases their likelihood).
Conclusion
A shaking steering wheel at low speeds is more than just an annoyance — it’s often a sign that something isn’t right with your vehicle’s tires, brakes, suspension, or drivetrain. Whether it’s uneven tire wear, warped brake rotors, or a damaged driveshaft, the key is to get it diagnosed and repaired early. If your steering wheel is vibrating, don’t wait it out. Book an inspection with a qualified mechanic or visit your local ATS Euromaster centre to get back to smooth, safe driving.
