Shaking steering wheel at high speeds and braking

KC97

MEMBER
1999 TOYOTA CAMRY
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Hello,

Recently, my steering wheel was shaking when I would go above about sixty five/mph. My two front tires were smaller than recommended and quite worn out at this time, so I bought two new tires at the correct size. This fixed the shaking that I experienced when going fast, but then it started to shake when braking shortly after.

My brother checked it out, and replaced my front brakes as well as my rotors. This did not help the problem. Thinking it was something to do with the new tires I got, he switched my back tires to the front, and the front two to the back. This only worsened the problem. Now it is shaking when I go above sixty five mph again, as well as when I hit the brakes.

When the shaking occurs it is mainly in the actual steering wheel, as in I do not feel my brake pedal shaking. Occasionally if I am on a curve and brake too hard, then it feels like something below my car is shaking and it is quite scary. There is not a specific sound/humming that I hear when it occurs.

I am going to take it in for an inspection this weekend, but I would love to walk in with a few ideas as to what the issue may be and how much it may cost (a general ballpark would be great, I know it varies) as to not get ripped off.

Thank you so much for any answers/suggestions!

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Your description has me a bit concerned. If the brakes and rotor are new and the tires are new, properly balanced, and you do not have a bent rim, it leads me to believe there could be an issue with a steering component such as a tie rod,

I would like you to read through this link. It discusses many different possible causes and how to check different components. Please keep in mind, if a tie rod comes apart, you will lose control of the steering, so please check them.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/steering-wheel-shakes-when-accelerating-or-braking

One other thing, since the brakes were replaced with rotors, are you certain that you do not have a caliper issue which could be causing the rotors to overheat and warp again? I had a a Nissan in the shop the other day. The driver described the issue the same as you, shaking when brakes were applied or at a specific speed. My first thoughts were just like yours, rotors or tire balance. What I found is brake pads which were frozen and not moving. They would overheat the rotors and then he would feel it when he used the brakes. It is just a thought, but even though they are new, make sure they were installed correctly.

As far as the tie rod or other steering or suspension components, please be careful. I have a feeling that is the issue, a tie rod.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 6:42 PM

KC97

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hey Joe,

Thanks so much for your reply.

I got a detailed list of things that my brother checked out to make sure they did not have any issues. The list includes: replaced front brake pads/front brake rotors. Rotated tires. Checked: steering linkage, outer tie rods, front control arms, front and rear strut mounts/assembly, front and rear sway bars, front and rear sway bar links, front and rear hub assembly (one broken lug-nut stud), rear lateral assembly, steering rack.

You mentioned being concerned that the issue is a tie rod, but we did not find any issues with them. Also, when my old rotors were taken off to be replaced he did not notice any warping (but I was due for a new set anyways so we replaced them). So if it were a caliper issue, would they not have seen the warping that you described? Also, if the issue you described were to be right, it sounds like I would have to replace my calipers. Am I understanding correctly?

I really appreciate the help!

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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018 AT 5:20 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi again:
It really matters what the problem is with the caliper. If it is a stuck piston which will not release, I would just replace it. If it is the rust issue I described, that is just a little time to clean things up and make everything free again. As far as seeing the warp in a rotor, it is nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. A tool called a dial indicator is mounted on one of the components near the rotor. The tool is then placed so it just touches the rotor. When you turn the rotor, it will indicate (in thousandths 1/10000) of an inch if the rotor is warped or has excessive "run out". When you think about it, the average human hair is.00100, so as you can tell, it would be hard to see.

I was thinking, you mentioned that the tires were really bad that you replaced. Please keep in mind, an alignment issue can cause similar problems. If all components are good, that would be the next thing I question.

Let me know if you have other questions and Happy 4th of July.

Joe

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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018 AT 7:16 PM

KC97