Question: 6 Most Common Reasons for Rattling in Steering Wheel? 

A rattling sensation in your steering wheel while driving can be scary. If left unchecked, this problem can lead to a loss of control or put you at risk of a fatal accident. So, what causes the rattling in steering wheel, and what can you do about it?

A steady and responsive steering wheel is crucial for your safety. It’s essential to identify the root causes to understand the issues you’re dealing with. Doing so can help you determine the best solutions.

Herein, I explain why your steering wheel shakes or rattles while driving. You’ll also learn how to resolve this issue effectively to enjoy a safe and smooth ride.

Answer: Rattling in Your Steering Wheel Explained

A rattling sensation in the steering wheel manifests in different ways. It can be a noticeable shake, slight wobble, vibration, or rattling noise in the steering column. Your steering wheel might rattle at high or low speeds, depending on the cause.

It’s worth noting that it’s normal to have a mild rattling while driving. It can happen when driving on rough or uneven roads. You’ll also notice such vibrations or rattling sensations when driving at higher speeds. However, the rattle should diminish when you slow down or drive over a paved road.

Severe or consistent rattling in your steering wheel indicates a problem with your car. If you experience an abnormal rattling or vibration, stop the car and troubleshoot the problem.

Question: What Causes Rattling in Steering Wheel?

Rattling in your vehicle’s steering wheel could indicate an underlying issue. Below are the common causes:

  • Suspension issues
  • Misaligned wheels
  • Unbalanced tires
  • Brake issues
  • Bad wheel hub bearing
  • Steering wheel problems

Suspension Problems

Your vehicle’s suspension system ensures proper handling and braking. It comprises shocks, pistons, struts, tie rods, and springs, among other intricate components. These components form a network of systems connecting your vehicle to its tires.

If all the suspension components are in good shape, you should experience minimized rattling or vibrations when driving over bumps or uneven terrain. Unfortunately, suspension components don’t last a lifetime.

Worn-out, loose, or damaged parts in the suspension system can lead to the rattling in the steering wheel. The rattling may increase when driving at higher speeds.

Misaligned Wheels

Wheel alignment problem is another issue that can lead to a rattling steering wheel. Alignment involves adjusting your car’s suspension system to ensure the tires properly contact the ground. Wheel alignment improves handling and ensures your tires last longer.

Hitting curbs, going over speed bumps, or driving on rugged terrain for a long time can take a toll on the suspension system. And when your suspension components wear out or get damaged, they will cause the wheels to get misaligned.

Besides making your steering wheel rattle, misaligned wheels can cause uneven tread wear and vehicle pulling on one side.

Unbalanced Tires

Tire balancing ensures all your vehicle tires rotate at an equal speed. It’s one of the most important maintenance tasks that allows for a smooth driving experience. Many experts recommend tire balancing every 12,000-15,000 miles.

Unfortunately, tires can go out of balance before then and cause rattling in the steering wheel. Issues such as misaligned wheels, rough roads, underinflated tires, and weather changes can put your tires out of balance.

Unbalanced tires can stress your suspension system and damage various parts if left unchecked. Such issues will end up exacerbating rattling in steering wheel.

Brake Issues

Does your steering wheel rattle or shake when slowing or stopping the car? If so, the brake components could be to blame. Warped rotors, worn brake pads, or sticking brake calipers will cause unusual rattling.

Brake rotors should maintain a smooth surface to ensure proper braking. However, they can get warped over time due to excessive heat, hard braking, or rough road conditions. The uneven surface on your rotors causes vibrations while braking, leading to the steering wheel rattling.

If the rotors are okay, your brake pads could be worn out, warped, or damaged. Such pads will trigger steering wheel vibrations and a squeaking sound when braking.

Another brake issue that can trigger rattling in your steering wheel is sticky brake calipers. When you apply brakes, the sticky calipers cause the pads to get stuck on the rotors, leading to faster wearing.

Bad Wheel Hub Bearing

Wheel hub bearings allow a smooth rotation of your vehicle wheels. They need proper lubrication to maintain their tip-top shape and turn without friction. Improper lubrication causes friction, which can lead to broken or damaged bearings if not addressed.

Worn, damaged, or broken wheel hub bearings can trigger unusual rattling in your steering wheel. Shaking or rattling is common when turning your car.

Steering Wheel Problems

A loose or worn steering column can lead to a rattling steering wheel. You’ll notice unusual shaking or rattling when turning your steering wheel.

Another steering wheel issue that can trigger rattling noise or unusual shaking is a defective power steering system. The steering rack and power steering pump can get damaged, resulting in a rattling steering wheel. Again, this issue is common when turning the steering wheel.

steering wheel column

Question: How Can You Fix Rattling in Your Steering Wheel?

Below are ways you can address rattling in your vehicle’s steering wheel.

Replace Defective Suspension Components

If the suspension system is to blame, examining the shocks, pistons, bushings, struts, tie rods, and springs can help spot the defects. Loose nuts and bolts can also trigger the rattling problem. Check all the mounting nuts and bolts and tighten them.

If the problem results from damaged suspension parts, you’ll need to take the car to an auto repair shop. A professional mechanic in the repair shop will diagnose the problem and repair or replace defective parts.

Wheel Alignment

Drive or tow your car to a local repair shop for wheel alignment. The mechanic will use an alignment rack to adjust the suspension system and ensure your wheels are properly aligned.

Tire Balancing

Tire balancing is necessary after replacing tires or fixing issues in the suspension system. Again, it would be best if you left this job in the hands of a professional. Remember to replace worn-out tires and inflate them as required.

Repair or Replace Damaged Brake Parts

If the rattling in your steering wheel stems from the brake system, take time to identify the root cause. Start with the rotors and examine whether they’re warped or worn out. You can resurface the rotors to smooth out the surface.

If the damage is severe, you must replace the rotors. Next, check the brake pads and replace them if worn or broken.

Inspect the sticky calipers to identify the cause. Bad installation, debris buildup, corrosion, or degraded seals can cause your calipers to stick.

Clean them with brake cleaner to remove corrosion and debris. A professional can help install your calipers properly or replace degraded seals.

Clean or Replace Bad Wheel Bearings

Remove the wheel hub bearing and check them for damage. Proper cleaning and lubrication will resolve the problem if they’re dirty. However, if they appear worn or broken, you must replace them.

Repair or Replace Steering Wheel Components

Does the rattling in your steering wheel result from a defective steering system? If so, seek professional help to diagnose and fix a damaged steering column, rack, or pump, among other components.

Conclusion

Rattling in steering wheel indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. When addressing this issue, examine the suspension system, wheel alignment, tire balancing, steering column, brake system, and wheel bearing.

If you find any loose, worn, or damaged component, repairing or replacing it can help diminish the rattling issue. Seek help from a qualified mechanic for thorough inspection and effective solutions.