Are you frustrated by your car’s sudden shaking or persistent tendency to pull to the right while driving?
These issues can be not just annoying but also potentially unsafe if left unaddressed.
We outline the reasons why your car is shaking and pulling to the right as well as how to address the problem.
Reasons for a car shaking and pulling to the right
Here’s why a car shakes and pulls to the right:
1. Wheel misalignment
Wheel misalignment occurs when the angles of your car’s wheels deviate from the manufacturer’s specifications.
This misalignment can manifest in various ways, often leading to shaking or pulling issues and impacting your driving experience.
This is how wheel misalignment leads to a car shaking and pulling to the right:
Uneven tire wear: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear. When the wheels are not properly aligned, certain parts of the tire may bear more weight than others, leading to uneven wear patterns.
This can result in vibrations or shaking felt through the steering wheel or the entire car as you drive.
Pulling to one side: One of the most noticeable signs of wheel misalignment is the tendency of the car to pull to one side.
For example, if your wheels are misaligned to the right, the car might drift or pull in that direction even when you attempt to drive straight.
Increased tire resistance: Misaligned wheels can create increased friction between the tires and the road surface.
This added resistance can cause the car to feel sluggish or require more effort to maintain a straight path, leading to a sensation of pulling or steering difficulty.
Steering wheel off-center: A common indicator of misalignment is when the steering wheel is slightly off-center even when driving straight.
For instance, the steering wheel might appear crooked even though you’re trying to keep the car on a straight path.
Vibration at Certain Speeds: Misalignment can result in vibrations felt through the steering wheel or the entire car, especially at certain speeds.
These vibrations can vary in intensity, often becoming more noticeable as speed increases.
Solution:
Diagnosing and addressing wheel misalignments typically involves getting a proper wheel alignment to correct misaligned wheels.
Seek the expertise of a qualified mechanic to diagnose and resolve this problem.
Address wheel misalignment promptly to prevent further damage to your tires, suspension, and steering components.
Also, regularly check for signs such as uneven tire wear, steering problems, or pulling tendencies to detect misalignment early.
Related: Why is my car shaking and not accelerating? (Explained)
2. Tire issues
A car that is shaking and pulling to the right can be caused by tire issues.
Tire issues can significantly contribute to shaking and pulling problems in a car, particularly if the tires are not in optimal condition.
This is how tire issues can lead to shaking and pulling to the right:
Uneven tire wear: When tires wear unevenly due to factors like improper inflation, misalignment, or lack of rotation, they develop irregular tread patterns.
This uneven tread wear can cause vibrations and shaking, especially at higher speeds, as the irregularities in the tire surface create disturbances in the smoothness of the ride.
Low tire pressure or imbalance: Tires that are not properly inflated or are imbalanced can also lead to shaking.
Low tire pressure can cause uneven contact with the road surface, resulting in vibrations or shaking felt through the steering wheel or the entire car.
Also, imbalanced tires, where weight distribution among the tires is uneven,can cause noticeable vibrations, particularly at higher speeds.
Tire damage or bulges: Damaged tires, such as those with bulges, cuts, or sidewall damage, can cause shaking or pulling.
Bulges, often caused by impacts or internal tire damage, can create imbalances that cause vibrations or lead to the tire pulling the car in one direction.
Worn tread or bald tires: Tires with worn-out tread or those that have become bald due to extensive use no longer provide proper traction.
This lack of traction can result in the car pulling to one side, especially during braking or when driving on uneven surfaces.
Signs of tire issues:
- Uneven tread wear across the tire surface.
- Visible damage such as cuts, bulges, or cracks on the tire sidewalls.
- Vibration or shaking felt through the steering wheel or the car itself, especially at certain speeds.
- Pulling to one side, either consistently or when braking.
- Steering wheel vibrations or shimmy, particularly during acceleration or braking.
Solution:
Seek the expertise of a qualified mechanic to diagnose and replace the damaged or worn-out tires.
Regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear and maintain proper tire pressure to ensure balanced tires.
Related: Car shaking and turning off (Here’s why)
3. Brake problems
A car that is shaking and pulling to the right can also be caused by brake problems particularly when the braking system faces certain issues.
Here’s how brake problems affect performance:
Uneven brake pad wear: When brake pads wear unevenly, one side might wear out faster than the other.
This uneven wear can cause an imbalance in braking force, leading to pulling sensations when applying the brakes. As a result, the car might pull to the side with the less effective brake pad.
Warped brake rotors or drums: Warped brake rotors or drums can lead to vibrations or shaking during braking. As the brake pads make contact with these uneven surfaces, it can create vibrations felt through the steering wheel or the entire car.
Stuck calipers or brake components: Calipers or other brake components that get stuck or fail to release properly can cause dragging brakes.
This constant contact between the brake pads and rotors can lead to excessive heat build-up, resulting in vibrations, pulling, or a noticeable decrease in performance when braking.
Brake fluid issues: Contaminated or old brake fluid can lead to brake system malfunctions, affecting the brake’s ability to function correctly.
This can cause uneven braking pressure, resulting in the car pulling to one side when applying the brakes.
Signs of brake problems:
- Vibrations or shaking felt through the steering wheel or the car when braking.
- Pulling to one side when applying the brakes.
- Squealing, grinding, or squeaking noises when braking.
- Longer braking distances or decreased braking effectiveness.
- Brake pedal feeling spongy or sinking to the floor.
Solution:
Have a qualified mechanic conduct a thorough inspection and diagnosis.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the braking system, including checking brake pads, rotors, drums, calipers, and brake fluid helps to detect issues early on.
4. Axle or drivetrain issues
A car that is shaking and pulling to the right can also be caused by axle or drivetrain issues.
These issues involve various components responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels.
This is how axle or drivetrain issues can lead to shaking and pulling to the right:
CV joint problems: Constant Velocity (CV) joints connect the axles to the wheels and allow for flexible movement during steering and suspension travel.
When these joints wear out or develop damage, they can cause shaking or vibrations, especially during acceleration or turning. A damaged CV joint might produce clicking or popping sounds as well.
Worn universal joints (U-Joints): U-joints, commonly found in the drivetrain of rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive cars, connect the driveshaft to the differential or transmission.
Worn-out U-joints can cause drivetrain vibrations, clunking noises, or shaking, particularly when accelerating or decelerating.
Imbalance or damage in driveshaft: If the driveshaft, which transmits torque from the transmission to the wheels, is imbalanced due to damage or wear, it can lead to vibrations or shaking felt throughout the car.
Signs of axle or drivetrain issues:
- Vibrations or shaking, particularly during acceleration or deceleration.
- Clunking, clicking, or popping noises coming from underneath the car, especially when turning or shifting gears.
- Difficulty maintaining speed or power loss during acceleration.
- Uneven tire wear or unusual tire patterns, indicating drivetrain-related problems.
Solution:
Seek the assistance of a professional mechanic to assess your car’s drivetrain and axles.
5. Suspension problems
Issues within the air intake or exhaust systems can significantly affect a car’s performance, leading to shaking and difficulties with acceleration.
This is how suspension problems can lead to shaking and pulling to the right:
Worn-out Shocks or Struts: Shocks and struts are essential components of a car’s suspension system that help absorb shocks from road imperfections.
When these parts wear out, they lose their ability to effectively dampen vibrations or movements. This can lead to excessive bouncing, vibrations, or a shaky ride, especially when driving over bumps or rough roads.
Broken or Damaged Suspension Components: Damage to other suspension components, such as control arms, bushings, or springs, can cause instability in the car’s handling.
If any of these parts are broken or worn, it can result in uneven weight distribution or erratic movements, leading to shaking or pulling sensations while driving.
Misaligned or Bent Suspension Parts: Misalignment or bending of suspension components due to accidents, impacts, or wear can affect the car’s steering and handling.
This misalignment can cause the car to pull to one side, leading to an uneven driving experience.
Signs of suspension problems:
- Excessive bouncing or dipping when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces.
- car pulling to one side, especially when driving on straight roads.
- Uneven tire wear, indicating improper suspension alignment.
- Steering wheel vibration or shimmy, particularly at higher speeds.
- Clunking or knocking noises when going over bumps or during steering.
- A feeling of instability or a loss of control while driving.
Solution:
A qualified mechanic needs to inspect and address suspension issues. This involves addressing any signs of wear, damage, or unusual noises.