Steering wheel vibration · Autobedrijf Willemsbrug Rotterdam

Steering wheel or car vibrating? We find the cause

Does your steering wheel vibrate at a certain speed, when you brake or after hitting a kerb? Or does the whole car shake? We find the cause with a test drive and a check of the tyres, brakes and suspension. You hear the price in advance.

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | All makes | Price agreed in advance

The short answer

If the steering wheel vibrates, it is usually a wheel that is out of balance, warped brake discs, a damaged tyre or the alignment. Autobedrijf Willemsbrug at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde finds the cause with a test drive and a check of the tyres, wheels, brakes and running gear, and can balance the wheels and align all four wheels. You hear the cost in advance and we only start after you approve it.

Jump to: when it vibrates · causes and costs · frequently asked questions · directions

When does your steering wheel or car vibrate?

The moment it vibrates already says a lot about the cause. Do you recognise one of these situations?

  • The steering wheel vibrates at a certain speed, often on the motorway
  • The steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates when you brake
  • The car has vibrated since the tyres were changed
  • It vibrates after hitting a kerb or a pothole
  • The car vibrates when pulling away or clicks in a corner
  • The whole car shakes at a standstill with the engine running

Do you see a bulge in the sidewall of a tyre, does it suddenly vibrate very strongly or does it vibrate straight after a tyre change? Then stop in a safe place and have the car checked. Read what to do after a breakdown.

Where vibrations come from

On the motorway a wheel turns more than ten times a second. If the weight of the wheel is not evenly spread, the wheel starts to wobble. You feel that as vibration in the steering wheel. That is why we balance the wheels with small weights on the rim.

Vibrations can also come from the brakes, the suspension, the driveshaft or the engine. The moment it vibrates often points the way: at a certain speed, when braking, when pulling away or at a standstill.

That is why we first take a test drive and check the car before we replace anything. Do you also hear humming, clicking or clunking along with the vibration? Then read more about a car that makes a noise.

What we do when your steering wheel vibrates

  • Take a test drive and discuss the problem with you
  • Check the tyres and wheels for bulges, damage and wear
  • Balance the wheels
  • Measure the brake discs and replace them if needed
  • Check the suspension, track rod ends, driveshafts and wheel bearings
  • Align all four wheels if needed

Extra work is only done with your approval.

Steering wheel vibration: when, cause and solution

This table shows when it vibrates and what the cause often is. We only know what is really going on after a test drive and a check.

When it vibrates, the usual cause and what we do
When does it vibrate? Often the cause What we do
Steering wheel vibrates at a certain speed, often on the motorway A wheel that is out of balance Balance the wheels. Read more about tyres
Steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates when braking Warped or worn brake discs Measure the brake discs and replace them if needed. Read more about brakes
Vibrates since the tyres were changed Imbalance, dirt on the rim or wheel bolts that are not tight Check the bolts, clean the rims and balance
Vibrates after hitting a kerb or a pothole A bulge in the tyre, a bent wheel or incorrect alignment Check the tyre and wheel and align the wheels
Vibrates and pulls to one side Incorrect alignment or a damaged tyre Check the tyres and align the wheels
Vibrates when pulling away, or clicks in a corner A worn driveshaft or CV joint Check the driveshafts and boots. Read more about noises such as clicking in a corner
Vibrates when pulling away in first gear The clutch or the flywheel Read more about the clutch
The whole car shakes at a standstill with the engine running Worn engine mounts or an engine that runs unevenly Check the engine mounts and read the fault codes. Read more about an engine that hesitates
Vibrates and rattles, or the steering has play Track rod ends, wishbone bushes or a wheel bearing Check the running gear and suspension

Balancing or alignment?

When we balance a wheel, we spread its weight evenly. Then the wheel turns smoothly. When we align the wheels, we set their angles correctly. Then the car drives straight and the tyres wear evenly. If the steering wheel vibrates, balancing is often the solution. If the car pulls to one side, alignment is often needed. Do you change tyres twice a year? Then read more about changing winter tyres in Rotterdam. Does your car have a camera for driver assistance systems? Then you hear in advance whether a calibration is needed after the alignment. We do not do that ourselves. Read more about aligning your car.

Vibration when braking

If the steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates when you brake, the brake discs are often warped. The ANWB puts a set of new brake discs and pads for one axle at € 300 to € 600 on average. That is an indication and not a quote from us. Brake discs are replaced per axle, left and right together. Read more about brakes.

We work on all makes and models, including hybrid and electric cars. You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg. Our mechanics hold the GMTO certificate (the Dutch qualification for working on high-voltage systems), so they can work on hybrid and electric cars.

Why we start with a test drive

A vibrating steering wheel can have many causes. If you balance the wheels or replace the brake discs on a hunch, the problem may not go away. That is why we first drive your car and check the tyres, brakes and running gear. Then you hear what is going on, what it costs and how long it takes.

Our repairs come with a warranty. With the quote you hear which warranty you get. Call +31 10 479 00 00 for a check or a quote.

Frequently asked questions about a vibrating steering wheel

No need to click. All the answers are already open below.

Why does my steering wheel vibrate?

The most common causes are a wheel that is out of balance, warped brake discs, a tyre with a bulge or incorrect alignment. Worn suspension parts or a worn driveshaft can also cause vibration. Notice when the steering wheel vibrates: at a certain speed, when braking or when pulling away. That helps to find the cause. We take a test drive and check the car.

My steering wheel vibrates at 100 or 120 km/h. What is that?

If the steering wheel vibrates mainly at a certain speed and gets smoother above it, one of the front wheels is often out of balance. According to Michelin, a well-balanced tyre turns without vibration. When we balance a wheel, we fit small weights to the rim. If you feel the vibration more in the seat than in the steering wheel, it is often the rear wheels.

My steering wheel vibrates when I brake. What does that mean?

If the steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates when you brake, the brake discs are often warped. According to the ANWB, this can be caused by a sudden change in temperature, for example driving through a deep puddle with hot brakes. The braking force can then vary. So have it checked soon. Read more about brakes.

My car has vibrated since the tyres were changed. How can that be?

Often a wheel is out of balance or there is dirt or rust between the rim and the hub. Sometimes the wheel bolts are not tight. If the car vibrates straight after the tyre change, stop in a safe place and have the bolts checked. The ANWB advises having the wheel bolts re-tightened after about 100 kilometres.

I hit a kerb or a pothole and now the car vibrates. What now?

Look at the tyre. If you see a bulge in the sidewall, do not drive on. The tyre is damaged and can burst. Fit the spare wheel or call your breakdown service. The wheel may also be bent or the alignment may be out. According to the ANWB, alignment is a good idea after hitting a kerb or a deep pothole. Read more about alignment.

What is the difference between wheel balancing and wheel alignment?

When we balance a wheel, we make sure its weight is evenly spread. Then the wheel turns smoothly without vibration. When we align the wheels, we set their angles correctly. Then the car drives straight and the tyres wear evenly. If the steering wheel vibrates, balancing is often the solution. If the car pulls to one side, alignment is often needed.

When can I keep driving with a vibrating steering wheel?

That depends on the cause. If the steering wheel vibrates slightly at a certain speed, you can usually drive calmly to the garage. Do you see a bulge in the tyre, do you suddenly feel a very strong vibration, or does it vibrate straight after a tyre change? Then stop in a safe place and call your breakdown service. Read what to do after a breakdown.

How much does it cost to fix a vibrating steering wheel?

That depends on the cause. According to the ANWB, wheel alignment costs about € 70 to € 120. The ANWB puts a set of new brake discs and pads for one axle at € 300 to € 600 on average. These are indications and not a quote from us. You hear in advance what it costs for your car. We only start after you approve it.

Steering wheel vibration check in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is five minutes’ drive away. There is free parking outside if there is space. The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is close by.

We are also easy to reach from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht. Appointments are made by phone.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 to 17.30
Saturday: 9.00 to 15.00
Sunday: closed
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Is your steering wheel vibrating?

Call us during opening hours with your registration number. You drop the car off Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am. You will hear the cost in advance and we only start once you agree.

Our score: 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say (in Dutch).

See also our pages on a car that makes a noise, tyres, wheel alignment, brakes, shock absorbers, car diagnostics (in Dutch) and breakdowns.

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