Little steering wheel shake

[coopns]

02 Dodge Grande Caravan 130k. I have noticed in the last few months that the steering wheel shakes just a bit to notice it. Is that something going? The tires are 1 year old, alignment is fine and tires were rotated at 6 months.

And could someone give me (the dummy) the dummies version of what tie rod ends and wheel bearings do and would those be a factor?

Thanks

 

[The_Jeff]

more than likely just a tire out of balance.

Bad TREs shake when cornering, typically.

If you can get the wheels up in the air and yank them in and out, you'll notice play if there's a bearing or TRE problem.

 

[demarpaint]

It could be a tire out of balance, a cord problem, or something in the front end. Rotate the tires to the rear of the car and see if the problem stops, that would rule the front end out.

 

[IndyIan]

A simple thing is to check if there is dirt accumulated inside the wheel, usually its a winter problem for me on the rear tires but maybe unnoticed until you put the rear tires on the front.

 

[synthetic_crazy]

I had the same problem in my '99 Corolla; the steering wheel would shake at 70mph and over. I had the tires balanced and it corrected the problem!

 

[mechtech2]

When does it shake?
Only when braking? High speeds?
Tires can go bad internally from a hit, and look fine outside.
Wheels can be bent and pass a quick visual test.
Balance? Always a factor.


Loose suspension components or bearings will ALLOW a lot more shaking, but do not cause it. If a tie rod end is a little loose, you can feel a vibration more. Replacing it may make it better, but the core cause is still there.