Question 1

Why does my steering wheel shake at high speed?

Accepted Answer

Vibration that appears around 50–70mph and gets worse as you accelerate is almost always a wheel balance problem. Vibration that appears only when you brake is a different fault entirely, and telling them apart saves paying for the wrong repair.

A wheel and tyre assembly is never perfectly uniform, so small counterweights are clipped to the rim to even out the mass distribution. If one falls off — they do, especially after hitting a pothole or a kerb — the assembly develops a heavy spot. At low speed you feel nothing. As rotational speed rises the imbalance produces a force that grows with the square of the speed, which is why the shake appears suddenly within a narrow band and often smooths out again at higher speeds as the frequency moves past the steering system's resonance.

The giveaway is where you feel it. Front wheel imbalance comes through the steering wheel; rear wheel imbalance is felt through the seat and floor.

If the shudder only happens under braking, suspect the brake discs rather than the wheels. Discs that have worn unevenly, or have uneven deposits of pad material transferred onto them, vary in thickness around their circumference and push the pads in and out as they rotate.

Other causes are worth ruling out if balancing does not fix it: a tyre with internal belt separation, which often shows as a visible bulge; a bent wheel rim; worn suspension or steering joints; or a seized brake caliper.

Do not ignore it. Persistent vibration accelerates wear on wheel bearings, suspension bushes and steering components.

Question 2

What is a CV joint and what is that clicking when I turn?

Accepted Answer

A constant velocity joint transmits drive from the gearbox to the wheels while allowing the wheel to steer and move up and down with the suspension — all at a constant rotational speed regardless of

Question 3

Why are my brakes squealing?

Accepted Answer

Brake noise ranges from harmless to urgent, and the type of noise is the main clue. A high-pitched squeal that appears consistently when braking is most often the wear indicator. Pads include a small

Question 4

What is the difference between understeer and oversteer?

Accepted Answer

Both describe a car not turning as much as the steering input asks, but the end that loses grip differs — and so does what the car does next. Understeer is when the front tyres lose grip. You turn

Question 5

What does it mean when my car pulls to one side?

Accepted Answer

A pull has a small number of likely causes, and when it happens narrows them considerably. If the car pulls while driving normally, start with tyre pressures. Uneven pressure between sides is the

Question 6

What is wheel alignment and when does a car need it?

Accepted Answer

Alignment is the set of angles at which the wheels sit relative to the road and to each other. When those angles drift out of specification, the tyres are dragged rather than rolled, and they wear

Question 7

How to identify tire wear patterns?

Accepted Answer

Identifying tire wear patterns is essential for safety. Look for center, edge, cup, patch, and diagonal wear to diagnose issues and maintain tire health.

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