4 Common Causes behind Steering Wheel Vibrations in INFINITI QX50

Suppose you feel vibrations in your steering wheel while driving your INFINITI QX50. In that case, this is a sign of an underlying mechanical problem that needs to be resolved to maintain road safety and driving comfort.

The first step is identifying the underlying issue causing your steering wheel to shake. Here are the most common causes:

1. Unbalanced Wheels

INFINITI QX50 drivers feel vibrations in the steering wheel at high speeds when their wheels are out of balance. If only the front wheels are out of balance, these vibrations are usually strongest at the steering wheel. However, if the rear wheels are out of balance, the vibrations can be felt throughout the vehicle’s body.

Uneven tire wear, potholes, and uneven roads can all contribute to the imbalance of your wheels in your QX50. This is because the imbalance on the wheels causes the center of gravity of the tires and wheels to shift around the axis. This combination of factors leads to tire vibrations and wobbling steering wheels at high speeds. The result is increased wear and tear on your vehicle, which can cause more damage.

2. Poor Wheel Alignment

Misaligned wheels in your INFINITI QX50 can also cause steering wheel vibration. When potholes or curbs are hit, poor control and excessive wear on your tires can be caused by misaligned wheels. To maintain your alignment and keep your ride smooth, have your INFINITI QX50 aligned at key intervals.

A telltale sign of misaligned wheels in the QX50 is when you constantly have to grip the steering wheel with one hand to keep the car straight. Other signs include uneven or rapid tire wear and a crooked steering wheel while driving straight. The tires may also squeak when driving slowly or turning quickly.

3. Bad Wheel Bearing

A defective wheel bearing in an INFINITI QX50 can cause steering wheel vibrations when driving straight. Vibrations may occur when turning corners, and the steering wheel may make a grinding noise. The faster you go, the louder the grinding noise and the more pronounced the vibrations will be.

You’ll need to use the steering wheel and shift on your INFINITI by hand, especially when you’re swerving or bumps in the road. These movements place significant pressure on wheel bearings and gears, making them of hardened and heavy-duty materials. Over time, you’ll need to replace them at least once, but you can delay that moment by following the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

4. Rim Damage

Sometimes, the rims on your INFINITI QX 50 cause the steering wheel to shake. This usually happens after driving over obstacles such as curbs, potholes, or speed bumps too quickly. The wheels need to be balanced, but if they are bent, they must be replaced.

Sift through the wheels to ensure that their rims are not bent, and their spokes are not damaged. Even if there is no visible damage, the whole rim could be deformed, which would cause the wheel to be uneven if it was used. An experienced mechanic can tell if a wheel rim is bent by mounting it on a balancing machine.

Conclusion

Your steering wheel should be vibration-free once you’ve fixed the underlying issue. If you don’t feel confident in doing this yourself, bring your QX50 to a trusted INFINITI service center so they can identify the cause of your vibrations and fix the problem before it becomes a safety hazard.

At Markham INFINITI, we are here to assist you in finding and maintaining your perfect INFINITI vehicle in our friendly, no pressure luxury dealership environment. When you bring your vehicle in for service, you can guarantee only the best treatment. Operating one of the cleanest dealership automotive shops we take pride in the work we do on all of our vehicles and we’re not afraid to show it. Our courteous service staff will ensure your continued driving enjoyment by offering you professional service and a friendly face. If you’re looking for an INFINITI car service in Richmond Hill, ON, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us now!