Is your BMW steering wheel trying to introduce itself to you by vigorously shaking your hand? A BMW is built for smooth and precise control, but imagine your steering wheel shaking each time you take it for a ride. That vibration is not just an inconvenience; it is your car’s warning sign that something is wrong.
Vibrations can be felt through the steering wheel and may cause discomfort when driving. If not corrected, it can cause serious safety problems. Here are the most frequent causes of the steering wheel vibrations in BMW cars and what measures can be taken to eliminate the issue.
What Are The Possible Reasons For Vibrations In A BMW Steering Wheel?
- Unbalanced Tires: If your BMW tires are out of balance, they do not rotate in a smooth circular motion, resulting in shakiness that increases as speed increases. This imbalance can lead to uneven distribution of the tire contact area and contribute to faster tire wear, less performance, and unsafe driving.
- Worn Brake Components: If you feel the vibrations while braking, you may need to replace the brake pads, or the rotor may be worn out. Such problems cause irregular pressure distribution on the brake pedal and produce regular vibrations in the steering wheel.
- Wheel Alignment Problems: Wheel misalignment results in tires making a wrong angle of contact with the ground. This often leads to your car pulling to one side and vibrations through the steering wheel.
- Suspension Issues: Your suspension system is meant to absorb road shocks and reduce them in your vehicle. Anytime the bushings, shocks, or struts are damaged or worn, vibrations are felt on the steering wheel, particularly when you drive on bumpy grounds.
- Bent or Damaged Wheels: A bent, cracked, or damaged wheel will not roll properly and produce a lot of vibrations. This problem is usually caused by driving over a pothole, curb, or any other road obstacle.
- Faulty Bearings: Wheel bearings minimize the friction between the wheel and the car frame, helping the wheel rotate with ease and with a low amount of noise. If they wear off or get damaged, it is possible to feel vibrations and hear a particular noise from the vehicle when turning or driving at specific speeds.
Solutions To Steering Wheel Vibrations
- Inspect Your Tires: Examine the visible part of the tire for uneven wear, chances of damage, or low pressure in the tire. If the tires are unbalanced, consider having them balanced by a professional. In the event of excessive wear, the tires may need to be replaced.
- Check the Wheel Alignment: Misalignment can worsen vibrations and cause wear and tear, making tires wear unevenly. An alignment will realign your wheels to factory settings to meet your vehicle’s handling and stability requirements.
- Examine the Brakes: If vibrations appear when braking, take the car to a professional to diagnose the problem. It could be coming from the rotors and brake pads. Warping of rotors or wearing out of pads can cause a car to vibrate when the brake is applied; replacing such components can solve the problem.
- Inspect Suspension Components: Any suspension part, including shock absorbers, bushings, and struts, should be checked for wear or damage. Solving the problem with the faulty parts will reduce vibrations caused by a problematic suspension system.
- Visit a Trusted BMW Specialist: To get a proper diagnosis and good work done, you should turn to BMW specialists. They are very knowledgeable individuals equipped and suited to diagnose and solve the issue on the spot, bringing the best out of your car.
Choose DART Auto For Your BMW Steering Repairs
When it comes to steering wheel vibrations, you are dealing with something deep inside the car and want a repair shop that understands how BMWs work. If you have any challenge, be it a small problem with your BMW or need a major repair, our skilled technicians at DART Auto, located in Denver, CO, can help. We are here to ensure your BMW provides the smooth and powerful ride that the car was designed to give.
Our expert technicians only use the best diagnostic tools and genuine parts in the market, which is why you can drive confidently every time you visit us. We also assist European vehicle owners from nearby such as Littleton, Englewood, and Centennial, CO. Come to DART Auto today and book an appointment for your BMW to be serviced by professionals!