Steering shake
Shake through steering can be tyres, alignment, brakes, or suspension wear. Identify when it happens.
MED RISK
Common symptoms
- Shake at motorway speeds
- Shake when braking
- Wobble over bumps
- Uneven tyre wear
Cost expectations
DIY: £0–£60. Garage: £60–£250+.
Note: prices vary by car and region. Use this as a planning range.
Most likely causes (ranked)
- Wheel balance — Most common at steady speed.
- Tyre damage — Bubbles, flat spots, out-of-round.
- Alignment — Toe/camber issues cause wobble and wear.
- Suspension play — Track rod ends, bushes, ball joints.
- Brake judder — If mainly when braking.
Quick checks (fast, low-cost)
- Check tyres for bulges and uneven wear.
- Swap front and rear wheels to see if symptom moves.
- Check wheel weights and balance.
- Inspect suspension components for play.
- If shake is braking-only, see brake judder guide.
Recommended tools
These tools make diagnosis faster and stop you buying random parts.
Related fixes
If your symptoms don’t match perfectly, check these next.
What to do next
- Fix tyre issues first (safety).
- Get alignment after suspension work.
- Don’t ignore play — it worsens quickly.
AutoSolveHub helps you narrow possibilities. Always confirm critical repairs with proper testing and safe procedures.