Steering wheel shake

[Dereksd]

Anyone ever experience their steering wheel shaking in 3rd gear right before going into 4th? I'm not sure if maybe it's an alignment issue?? It doesn't seem too serious so far but I would rather find out the problem than have it worsen.

 

[Milky2k]

Typically, steering wheel shaking is due to tire balance issues. Based on your brief description of the problem, this is most likely the problem. It may feel fine at low speeds but becomes pronounced as you go faster. You say you experience it in 3rd before going to 4th, so you are already at speed, does it continue in 4th gear and up? Maybe you've lost a wheel weight? A quick stop at a tire shop to balance your front tires should help. It should be inexpensive to balance a tire but if the tire has worn unevenly it will eventually need to be replaced instead. A poor alignment can cause tires to wear unevenly and cause other issues such as pulling to one side. When the tire shop takes off your tire to balance it, they will be able to tell if there is an alignment problem based on the wear pattern.

 

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

I'd second the above, but also think a little deeper. Are you sure it's just steering shake? The condition shouldn't be worse due to shifting, really. I wonder if it might be disguising itself as a bad engine or transmission mount, bad rear trailing arm bushing or Panhard rod bushing or even a front suspension or steering part. Start with the tires, though.

John B.

 

[Dereksd]

Milky2k, it won't shake once I'm at a high enough speed. Or at low speeds. I've just noticed it's right around the speed shifting from 3rd to 4th. Not positive if shifting is the problem. I'll head over to discount tomorrow and see what magic they can do. If not a tire issue, JohnnyB could be on to something. it seems like it's been very abrupt. It's never shaken like that before until just a few days ago. Thanks to both of you for the advice! Now I have something to grasp onto.