Car Shakes at High Speed

Vibration that hits at 60, 70, or 80 mph makes highway driving stressful and fatiguing. It's usually tire-related, but not always.

High-speed shaking that wasn't there before is most commonly an out-of-balance tire or a wheel that's been bent by a pothole. Tire balance involves small weights attached to the rim — if one falls off, you get vibration at specific speed ranges. A bent wheel creates a wobble that worsens with speed. Separated tire belts (where the internal steel belts shift position) produce a bouncing vibration that can feel violent above 60 mph. These are the big three for speed-dependent vibration.

If tires and wheels check out fine, look deeper. Worn tie rod ends, ball joints, and hub assemblies can all allow enough play to create vibration at high speed that you wouldn't notice at 25 mph. A worn driveshaft on rear-wheel-drive vehicles — specifically the U-joints or carrier bearing — vibrates at highway speed. Warped rotors only shake during braking, not constant driving, so if the vibration is present without touching the brakes, the rotors aren't the issue.

Our mobile mechanic service covers Jacksonville, FL and can inspect tires, wheels, and suspension at your location. We'll check for bent rims, tire damage, and worn suspension parts. If we determine it's a balance issue, we'll point you to the nearest tire shop for that specific service. Everything else, we fix right there. Call (904) 788-7272.