What would cause my steering wheel to vibrate? Details?

Question

It gets better when I go faster, when I hit the brakes it pulls to the right. Could it be the tie rod, or maybe the tires need balancing?

Answer 1

do your brakes squeal when you stop? do they grind or make scratchy sounds when you're first accelerating from a stop. if yes then you should check the pads, rotors, and calipers. i am definitely no mechanic but I've had my fair share of brake problems from being a newspaper carrier. (stop go stop go throw a paper) if you're not hearing any noises or having difficulty stopping other then the vibration then its most likely not your brake system.
***however.. a warped or cracked rotor can definitely be culprit.
but another possibility could be really bad alignment..
if your alignment is off it will cause the entire front end to shake, especially during initial takeoff and ease some at faster speeds. this will also cause a pull while breaking.

i would suggest taking your car in and having it looked at. if you cannot afford that, which i cannot myself.. i got a copy of the repair manual for my vehicle at the auto-parts store and did the D-I-Y brake job. took the rotors down had them "turned" and put on new pads if needed. if that doesn't fix then see about an alignment

i know I'm not helping. lol. GL

Answer 2

You may need some front brake work, especially one of your brake calipers or flexible brake hoses may be malfunctioning. The brake shop will correct any brake rotor warpage at the same time that causes a pulsating brake pedal. Tire unbalance or out of round tires would cause worse vibrations the faster you go, but nevertheless, I would have my tires and rims checked on a Hunter wheel balance machine as described in the answers link below. Once you've had the tires checked on the Hunter machine, then if the car pulls hard right or left when you let go of the steering wheel (brakes not applied) on a smooth level highway, you should have your alignment checked. Bad tires can make a car pull right or left and yet you don't need an alignment.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqqRe1BSih66JNrS8WgZByLsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070920080352AA8a1nG

Answer 3

you definately need the brakes looked at if it's pulling when you hit the brakes, sounds like you have a bad brake caliper on the drivers side, I would get that fixed first and then if you still have the vibration in the steering wheel I would get the tires balanced.

Answer 4

You need to have your brakes checked. The vibration could be caused by the wheels being out of balance, and/or the front end being misaligned. It's possible you need a wheel balancing and a front end alignment.

Answer 5

Start with tire pressure, inspection, rotation, flat repair, or tire replacement
Then safety inspect.
Tests can be run if it does not immediately get found.

Low tire, tires are all lower than they should be?
Tires "nibble" ?
What speed ?
Or does the wheel buzz ?
The column shake ?

You cannot answer this without the basics.
Get them looked at

Answer 6

although no longer maximum possibly, the main inexpensive to learn is a warped brake disk. maximum possibly, worn CV-joint 0.33, nowhere close to as possibly, worn U-joint. additionally, there replace right into a bear in mind on the tie-rods, be certain the bear in mind replace into completed and that the tie-rods are in reliable shape. i think of you decide on a clean broker or save, those could desire to be obtrusive to any respectable mechanic

Answer 7

Cracked or warped brake rotor.
And worn out brake pads.

Answer 8

You probably have a brake problem. A caliper may be malfunctioning or locked up.

Answer 9

Check your air pressure in your tires-could be as simple as that.

Answer 10

It sounds like you need an alignment.