Several issues can cause a car to shake at high speed. Vibrations at high speed are often common warning signs that will escalate to bigger (much more expensive) problems if not resolved at an earlier stage.
A car shakes when driving over 70 mph, which is often different from a car that shakes when accelerating at low speed. So, you need to identify when the vibration occurs to track the culprit and fix it on time.
What if your car shakes at high speed? Low speed? On idle? At constant speed? Or does the vehicle vibrate when braking? There are a plethora of causes of vibration at each stage.
What area should you diagnose? This article will discuss the causes of car vibration at high speed and how to fix it.
What is Considered High Speed
In the context of this article, high speed refers to any velocity that exceeds typical city driving conditions, which generally range from 50-80 mph.
High speed may vary depending on factors such as road conditions, traffic, and vehicle type.
It’s important to note that car shaking can occur at different speeds, but for the purpose of this discussion, we will focus on issues that arise at higher velocities.
What causes a car to shake at high speed?
Vibration is typically originated by a defective or out of balance tire, a worn driveline U-joint or a bent wheel. You may find that the auto shakes in an up and down motion. You may feel the vibration through the steering wheel, seat, or in the brake pedal.
There are numerous reasons why your vehicle is shaking, and we’re naming the top 10.
#1. Engine.
Several parts within a car’s engine could cause a vehicle to shake if they malfunction. These include the engine air filter and spark plugs.
Check the spark plugs and their connections. Generally, spark plugs last for about 80k to 100k miles, depending on the make and model.
If the spark plugs are well and their connections are good, then inspect the air filter. A clogged or dirty air filter can starve the engine of oxygen and/or fuel required to run correctly.
#2. Brakes.
If vibration is happening when you’re pushing the brakes, the issue is likely related to your vehicle’s front brake mechanism as the front brakes receive the most stress when the brakes are used.
There are two parts on front disc brakes that have to be replaced every often – rotors and pads. The rotor is the round metal disc that attaches to the wheel.
During the time, it can become warped from heavy wear and tear. Some pads press versus the rotor to slow down the car, and these pads need to be a certain thickness to work adequately.
If the pads become too worn, it can cause vibration. The caliper grips the pads against the rotor to slow down and stop the auto.
All cars vary on timelines for when brakes need to be replaced. On average, they should be replaced every 50k miles, but many makes and models can last longer.
Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for a more accurate timeline for replacement. Plus, whenever you get an oil change, have your mechanics visually check your rotors and pads’ condition. They’ll inform you precisely when replacement is required.
#3. Axles.
Most models have two axles – one that connects the front wheels, and another that connects the rear wheels.
Vibrations can crop up if the axles are dented or bent – which can occur in an accident or other mishap – and vibration will increase in intensity as you accelerate.
Also, check the driveshaft and CV (constant velocity) joints for potential culprits. If these joints are worn, that can let in dust and other debris, which can damage the constant velocity joints.
#4. Steering Wheel.
If your steering wheel wobbles during driving, this can produce vibration issues too, and it may mean that one of the wheels isn’t spinning correctly, or it may be associated with the wheel bearings, ball joints, or tie rod ends.
#5. Tires.
According to the specific type of vibration you’re feeling, the issue can be related to the tires and addressed in many ways.
If vibration is felt at certain speeds, the tires have to be balanced. If they’re wearing unevenly and cause the car vibrates when driving, you need a tire rotation. In some cases, you may need new tires to solve the problem of vibration.
#6. Hoses.
Many times, engine shake can be traced to loose, disconnected, or broken hoses. Bad air/vacuum hoses can cause serious sake. Replace or reattach hoses as required.
#7. Timing Belt.
The timing belt synchronizes the actions of several components and accessories. A worn-out, torn, or stretched belt will result in inconsistent timing, which produces shaking.
This most often happens in high-mileage cars. If you notice looseness, ribbing, or cracks in your cambelts, have them replaced as soon as possible.
#8. Bent Rim.
Tiny driving mistakes like hitting a pothole or driving up a curb can damage the rim and cause it to bend.
A bent rim makes vibration while driving, and it increases if you drive faster. A bent rim should be corrected right away as it can induce loss of tire pressure, too.
#9. Driveshaft.
A driveshaft quickly spins as it distributes engine power to the rear axles and wheels in rear-wheel-drive models or the front axles and wheels in front-wheel-drive cars. If this is bent, it can produce dramatic shaking.
#10. Fuel Intake.
After driving for many times, your vehicle’s fuel intake system can get clogged up. It’ll start to transfer uneven amounts of fuel to the engine. If your motor doesn’t get an even continuous gas supply, then it’ll begin to shake.
What Role Does Wheel Alignment Play in High-Speed Shaking?
Proper wheel alignment is crucial for smooth driving. Misaligned wheels cause vibrations by forcing the tires to scrub against the road surface, leading to uneven wear and instability. This is often felt as a shaking or pulling sensation.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Misaligned wheels cause tires to wear unevenly. This uneven wear creates an imbalance, similar to tire imbalance.
- Scrubbing: Instead of rolling smoothly, misaligned tires “scrub” against the road, creating friction and vibration.
- Pulling: You’ll likely notice your car pulling to one side if your wheels are misaligned.
- Steering Wheel Vibration: The vibration can often be felt through the steering wheel.
- Long-Term Damage: Besides vibrations, misalignment can cause premature tire wear and damage suspension components. Regular wheel alignment checks are essential for preventative maintenance.
Car Shakes at High Speed: How to Diagnose the Issue
Diagnosing the cause of car shaking requires a systematic approach. Start by checking the most common and easily accessible components, such as tires and wheels, and then move on to more complex systems like the suspension and brakes. This process of elimination helps pinpoint the problem.
- Tire Inspection: Check for uneven tire wear, bulges, or low tire pressure.
- Wheel Inspection: Look for visible bends or cracks on the wheels.
- Test Drive: Pay attention to when the vibration occurs (certain speeds, braking, turning).
- Professional Inspection: If you can’t identify the problem yourself, take your car to a trusted mechanic. They have specialized tools and experience to diagnose the issue accurately.
- Road Force Balancing: This advanced balancing technique can detect subtle tire and wheel issues.
How do you fix a shaking car at high Speed?
Since there are many causes of car vibration at high speeds, there are several ways to fix it. This section will highlight several ways to stop vibration at highway speed.
#1. Get a wheel balance.
This requires taking the tires to a mechanic or alignment shop. The technician will mount the imbalanced wheel/tire on a balancing machine to correct the imbalance issues.
#2. Tighten loose lug nuts.
This requires a common fix that you can do without visiting a mechanic’s shop. To fix this, park your vehicle on a level and firm pavement. Block off two wheels and cross-check the lug nuts with a torque wrench.
Torque the vehicle to the manufacturer’s spec. If you don’t have a torque wrench, use the vehicle wheel spanner. Do not over-tighten it as it could wear or break the lug studs.
#3. Replace defective or failed inner CV joints.
As alluded to above, one of the common causes of bad inner CV joints is torn CV joint boots. The only fix is to replace the joint with new boots.
#4. Clean or replace spark plugs.
A fouled or dirty spark plug will not provide the required spark needed to keep the engine running as it should. You can fix this issue by cleaning old sparking plugs or replacing them with new ones.
#5. Service calipers.
If inspection proves that the caliper is the culprit of the shakes at the highway, you may have to service the caliper by cleaning and smoothing the pistons.
Check the caliper pins and ensure they are working as they should. The next thing to consider is to get a new caliper and assembly.
#6. Replacement of broken engine mount.
Most engine mounts are not repairable. Though, you can repair some by changing the bushing inside the side.
Once you notice a broken engine mount, drive to a mechanic shop for a replacement. I recommend disassembling all engine mounts and inspecting them on the floor.
For example, two mounts out of three may damage; inspection shows only one is broken. But when you bring it down and have a closer look, you’ll see how many are defective. Do not forget to replace mounts with minor cuts on them.
#7. Straighten or replace bent axle.
A car axle is an expensive component. If you suspect a bent axle, take your vehicle to a mechanic shop for a fix. They can either straighten or replace it.
#8. Replace bent driveshaft.
Driveshafts hardly bend unless there’s a significant impact during a collision. The problem with these components is the spacer bearing on the joints.
These components do not last the life of a vehicle. Hence, they are bound to fail. When they fail, get new ones and replace them.
#9. Replace torn vacuum hoses.
A straightforward fix to this problem is to track where the leak is coming from and reconnect or replace the hose.
How much does it cost to fix car shakes at high speed?
The cost of fixing car vibration at high speeds varies since several factors can be the culprit. If you are lucky, it’ll be something simple, like a wheel alignment or tire that requires balancing. It will require a few bucks to fix it.
If tire issues cause vibration on highway speed, $20 can fix it. Problems like lousy engine mounts will cost $200 to $600 to fix it. The actual repair cost depends on the cause of the problem.
How to Prevent Car Shaking at High Speeds
Prevention is always better than cure. Regular vehicle maintenance, including tire balancing and rotation, wheel alignment, and suspension checks, can significantly reduce the risk of high-speed vibrations. Proactive care saves you money and keeps you safe.
- Tire Balancing and Rotation: Have your tires balanced and rotated regularly (usually every 5,000-7,000 miles).
- Wheel Alignment: Get a wheel alignment check at least once a year, or whenever you notice your car pulling to one side.
- Suspension Inspection: Have your suspension components inspected regularly for wear and tear.
- Proper Tire Inflation: Maintain the correct tire pressure.
- Avoid Potholes and Curbs: Be mindful of road hazards.
- Regular Servicing: Follow your car’s recommended maintenance schedule.
FAQs.
Q: Why does my car shake at 70 mph?
There are several reasons for a vehicle to shake at 70 miles per hour. It could be uneven tire wear, unbalanced tire, worn-out driveshaft bearing, faulty brake components, and a host of other reasons.
However, unbalanced wheel tires are the common reason cars shake at high speeds [within 70 mph and above]. These tires usually have a scalloped or cupped wear pattern on them.
These issues usually occur after replacing new tires. It also happens after hitting bridge expansion joints, potholes, and curbs.
Vibrations on the floor and seat are signs of unbalanced rear wheel tires, whereas vibration on the steering wheel signifies unbalanced front wheel tires.
Q: What does it mean when your car shakes at a certain speed?
The common reasons vehicles shake at certain speeds are traceable to imbalanced tires, suspension issues, loose steering components, and engine or brake problems.
Sounds like the reasons are many, right? The above sections have detailed the cause of the vibration at various speeds and how to fix them.
Q: Can a bad alignment cause a shake?
Vehicle suspension system components work harmoniously to align the tires, helping them to meet different road pavement conditions.
As the tire rides on various road pavements, over time, rough driving, road turbulence, and road hazards can cause the tire to go out of alignment. These can cause the tires to rest at skewed angles.
Back to the question, “can a bad alignment cause a shake?” Even the most minor alignment issues can lead to car shakes or vibrations.
Besides the vibrations, alignment issues can cause uneven and accelerated tire wear. Alignment service can fix this problem and its symptoms.
Q: Why is my car wobbling?
Suspension issues and unbalanced tires most commonly cause wobbling vehicle wheels. They are ominous signs and can lead to collisions.
If the wobbling is so clear that you can feel it on the steering wheel, and you find it challenging to keep driving in a straight lane, the vehicle can keep you stranded in the middle of nowhere. You need to visit a mechanic shop.
Several factors can cause a car to wobble. These factors include misaligned suspension, damaged suspension, loose lug nuts, and unbalanced wheels.
Q: Can a bad tie rod cause a shake?
One of the noticeable symptoms of a bad tie rod is car shaking or vibration sensation in the steering wheels. You will also hear rattling and clunking noise on the wheels, especially on low-speed maneuvers.
These sounds show a failing tie rod. As the tie rod continues failing, it will break free and emit loud rattling noises.
If the tie rod dust cover tears, it can also cause rattling noise, shaking, and vibration sensation. These signs show it’s time to inspect the tie rods and replace them if necessary.
Final words
Vibration at high speed is not good, even for an old car. If a car shakes at high speeds, it shows an imminent problem in the vehicle. Do not think driving at a certain speed range will solve the problem.
Instead, fix the problem the moment you notice it. Quickly inspect the outlined causes in this article and follow our guides to fix them. If you’re unfamiliar with the underhold working principles, seek professional help.