If your steering wheel suddenly starts shaking after hitting a pothole, it’s not just a minor annoyance. That vibration is your vehicle’s way of telling you something’s out of place, and the damage could be more serious than you think. Even a single jolt from a deep pothole can affect your wheels, suspension, or steering components, creating problems that get worse with time if not addressed.
The good news is that a post-pothole inspection can usually catch the issue early and prevent further wear.
How a Pothole Can Knock Things Out of Alignment
Potholes aren’t just shallow dips in the road. They often have sharp edges, uneven surfaces, or sudden depth changes that create a strong impact. When your tire hits a pothole at speed, the force travels through your suspension, steering linkage, and wheel hub. It’s this jolt that can knock your vehicle out of alignment or even bend components.
If your alignment is affected, your tires may not point straight anymore. That causes your steering wheel to vibrate or feel off-center, even when you’re driving on a smooth road. This is especially noticeable at highway speeds.
Common Causes of Post-Pothole Vibration
Several issues can lead to a vibrating steering wheel after a pothole impact. A proper inspection will usually pinpoint the cause, but here are the most common problems:
Wheel Damage
Potholes can bend the inner or outer edge of your wheel rim. Even a small bend can throw the wheel off balance, which leads to vibrations, especially at speeds over 45 mph. You may also hear a rhythmic thumping sound that increases with speed.
Tire Problems
A hard pothole strike can cause a tire to develop a bubble on the sidewall or internal belt separation. These hidden issues can create vibrations or, in extreme cases, increase the risk of a blowout. Uneven tire wear or a flat spot is also common after an impact.
Misalignment
If your car pulls to one side or the steering wheel feels crooked, the impact may have knocked your suspension out of alignment. This causes uneven tire wear and reduces handling stability.
Suspension Damage
Shocks, struts, control arms, and ball joints are designed to absorb road impact, but they have their limits. A sharp hit from a pothole can bend or loosen these components. When that happens, your steering response becomes less precise, and you may feel vibration or instability.
Loose or Damaged Steering Parts
The force from hitting a pothole can also affect tie rods or steering rack components. If you feel looseness in the wheel or hear clunking sounds while turning, it’s worth checking the steering linkage.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Symptoms
Even if the vibration seems minor, continuing to drive without fixing the issue can cause more damage. A misaligned suspension or bent rim will wear tires unevenly, shortening their lifespan. Worn steering or suspension parts can also affect your ability to maintain control in emergencies.
In some cases, the problem will gradually worsen. What begins as a mild shake could develop into a persistent vibration that makes highway driving uncomfortable and unsafe.
What to Do After Hitting a Pothole
If you recently hit a pothole and start noticing changes in how your car drives, don’t wait to have it checked. The sooner the issue is diagnosed, the easier it is to fix and the less likely you are to face larger repairs later on.
Try to take note of these details:
- When the vibration occurs (only at certain speeds? all the time?)
- Whether your steering wheel pulls to one side
- If you notice any new noises when turning or going over bumps
- Any visible changes in tire shape or wear
These clues can help technicians quickly identify the source of the problem.
Reliable Pothole Damage Inspections at Rick’s Automotive Service in Lawndale, CA
At Rick’s Automotive Service in Lawndale, CA, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a pothole can throw off your vehicle’s handling and balance. Our technicians perform thorough inspections to check your wheels, tires, suspension, and steering components for any signs of damage. We’ll get you realigned, rebalanced, and back on the road with a smoother, safer ride.
If your steering wheel has been shaking since you hit that last pothole, schedule an appointment with Rick’s Automotive Service today and let us take a closer look.