Service | Graham, TX What a shake at highway speed or a pull to one side usually means, and when to get it checked. A steering wheel that starts to shimmy at 65 on Highway 380 gets your attention fast. So does a truck that wants to drift toward the ditch when you let go of the wheel. Both are symptoms, and the cause is usually something specific that a tech can find in a short visit. This post walks through the common ones, what you can check yourself and when Holiday Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram's service department should take a look. Quick answer: A shake at speed often points to tire balance, a damaged wheel or worn parts. A pull to one side often points to uneven tire pressure, alignment or a sticking brake. Check pressure first, then book an inspection if it continues. Don't ignore a sudden change. At a glance Shake Often balance, wheel or tire damage Pull Often pressure, alignment or brakes Next Book an inspection if it persists In this post Why does the steering wheel shake at highway speed? Why does my vehicle pull to one side? What does a wheel and steering inspection check? Is it safe to keep driving? What to tell the advisor Why does the steering wheel shake at highway speed? The most common cause is a tire that's out of balance. A small weight falls off a wheel, and at a certain speed the wheel starts to vibrate. It tends to show up between 55 and 70 miles per hour and may fade above that. Other causes include a bent wheel from a pothole, a bulge or separation inside a tire and worn suspension or steering parts. Because the cause changes the fix, it's worth finding before you replace anything. If the shake comes only when you brake, look at the brakes instead. A warped rotor behaves differently. Heat plays a part in North Texas. Hot pavement and long summer drives can leave a tire worn in a way that shows up as a vibration later, which is why a vibration in October may trace back to August. Sudden new shake: stop and look at the tires, since a bulge or lost wheel weight is easier to catch early. Shake plus a clunk: worn suspension parts need a proper inspection. Why does my vehicle pull to one side? Start with the tires. A low tire on one side makes the vehicle drift that way, and mismatched wear can do the same. Check pressure when the tires are cold. If pressure is even, the next suspects are alignment, a sticking brake caliper or worn steering and suspension parts. Alignment shifts when you hit a curb or a deep hole, and Texas roads give plenty of chances. Crowned roads also fool you. Many roads slope toward the shoulder for drainage, so a slight drift on a county road may be normal. Test on a flat stretch. A consistent drift is worth reporting. Graham tip: Find a flat, empty parking lot and roll straight for a few seconds with your hands light on the wheel. A consistent drift is worth reporting. What does a wheel and steering inspection check? A tech looks at tire wear patterns, pressure and condition, then the wheels, lug nuts, brake components and the steering and suspension parts behind them. Pulling a wheel off gives a clear view of what's behind it. Balancing, alignment and parts replacement follow when needed. The advisor explains what's urgent and what can wait. Ask about the lug nuts as well. Wheels that have been removed recently should be torqued to spec, and a loose wheel makes its own kind of noise and shake. A tech can confirm it in a minute. 1 Listen. Tell the advisor when it happens, at what speed and whether braking changes it. 2 Inspect. The tech checks tires, wheels, brakes and suspension. 3 Fix and confirm. After the repair, a road test confirms the symptom is gone. Is it safe to keep driving? Sometimes. A mild balance shake is mostly an annoyance, though it wears parts and tires faster over time. A strong shake, a loud noise or a pull that makes the vehicle hard to control isn't safe to ignore. If you feel something let go, or the wheel shakes violently, pull off when it's safe and call for help. It isn't worth finishing the trip. When in doubt, call. The service team can tell you over the phone whether to drive in or arrange a tow, and a short call is cheaper than a roadside surprise. A consistent drift is worth reporting. What to tell the advisor Be specific. Say what you feel, where you feel it, at what speed and under what conditions. Mention recent events like a pothole hit, new tires or a recent repair. Also check for open recalls on your vehicle. You can look up your VIN at the federal recall lookup, and the service team can take care of any that apply. Schedule service Watch service videos Service | Graham, TX Book it your way Schedule online, call (940) 532-6403 or contact the service team. Describe the shake or pull in the comments so the tech knows where to start. Go to the service department Shaking and vibration Why does my steering wheel shake only on the highway? + Tire imbalance often shows up at certain speeds. A shop can balance the tires and check the wheels. Can a bent wheel cause vibration? + Yes. A pothole can bend a wheel, and the damage can be hard to see. Why does the wheel shake when I brake? + It often points to warped or uneven rotors. A brake inspection will confirm. Pulling and drifting Why does my truck drift to the right? + Low pressure, alignment or brake drag can cause it. Check pressure first. Can low tire pressure make a vehicle pull? + Yes. A tire with less air on one side pulls that way. Could the road be causing the drift? + Possibly. Roads slope for drainage, so test on a flat stretch. Repairs Do I need an alignment? + If the vehicle pulls, wears tires unevenly or the wheel sits off center, ask for an alignment check. How often should tires be balanced? + When they're installed and any time you feel a vibration. A rotation is also a good time to check. What parts wear out and cause a shake? + Tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings and control arm bushings can all play a part. Safety Is it safe to drive with a shaking wheel? + A mild shake isn't an emergency, but a strong one is. Get it checked soon. What if I hit a pothole and the car feels different? + Have the wheels, tires and alignment inspected. Damage can be hidden. How do I check for recalls? + Use the federal recall lookup with your VIN, and ask the service team about any that apply. Booking an inspection How do I book an inspection? + Use the Schedule Service page or call (940) 532-6403. Which address do I use for an inspection? + It's 1609 US Highway 380 in Graham, Texas 76450. Does the Express Lane check tires? + It lists a tire wear and pressure check with a tire rotation and brake inspection. Add a quick check Pair a rotation and wear check with your visit. Express Lane Plan your visit Get hours and directions for the Graham service department. Hours and directions
