Finding the reason for shaking at highway speeds is still easy, although current automobile suspensions have an ever-expanding array of components. The majority of the reasons are simply suspension tuning, with just a few suspension components potentially being the problem.
Poor tyre balance is the main cause of automobile trembling at speeds exceeding 70 mph. Other contributing factors include poor wheel alignment, faulty tie rods or ball joints, broken wheels, and worn control arm bushings.
Then, after detailing how to resolve or test the problem and the associated costs, we will go on to the most probable reason and conclude with the least likely one.
Bad Tire Balance
Although most automakers advise tyre balance and rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, most individuals disregard this advice. Most owners, however, only balance their tyres when they replace them. And the major reason it is incorrect is that balancing weights may come off, and the tyres’ equilibrium might be affected when the tread degrades.
Therefore, if it has been a while since you rotated your tyres, you should start there. Additionally, ask the technician to check the tie rods and ball joints while your vehicle is being repaired in the air at the shop. Given that it just takes a few minutes, it should not be an issue.
Costs for balancing tyres will probably range from $30 to $50 for all four tyres. However, the price might vary greatly depending on where you reside and can reach $100.
Bad Wheel Alignment
Before having the car’s wheels aligned, you should check your tie rods & ball joints first to ensure the tyre balance is accurate. It does not harm to test the tie rods correctly to prevent wasting money, even if I am certain the alignment shop will discover they are defective. It is vital to remember that potholes, off-road driving, and high curbs may all cause your wheels to be out of alignment.
You can also notice the steering wheel is tilted when travelling straight when the wheels are out of alignment. Driving through slow curves with a lot of steering angle can also cause the vehicle to pull to one side and cause tyre noise. The only indication is uneven tyre wear, although it will not show up immediately.
Since the tyres will wear out much more quickly and you may notice vibrations, it is crucial to align them every two years. You now have two bills instead of just one. Furthermore, there is not much incentive to avoid wheel alignments because they typically cost $50 to $60.
Bad Tie Rods
At the end of the steering rack are tie rods, which fasten onto the wheel hub. These are simply ball joints, except when you crank the steering wheel, they convert linear action into rotating motion. You will probably notice some steering wheel play as the tie rod ball gets sloppy. And at highway speeds, it is what is producing the tremors.
Additionally, tie rods do not have a maintenance plan, so unless you do routine inspections, you will not realise it is time for replacements until these symptoms manifest. In addition, because greater tyre wear is unavoidable, it is in your best interest to replace them.
Because replacing a tie rod is not difficult, the cost for labour and components is often approximately $100. However, you will also need to spend an additional $50 to $60 on a wheel alignment. Even though it is very simple, I would not advise replacing them at home. However, you may check to see whether they are still in excellent condition.
How to Check Tie Rods
- one of the front wheels is jacked up.
- Take hold of the tyre and shake it vigorously from left to right.
- The tie rod is broken if you notice that the wheel has any play in it.
- The opposite wheel should then get the identical procedure.
Worn Out Ball Joints
The control arms’ ends include ball joints that steer the wheel up and down while maintaining it straight. And much as with tie rods, the ball within it loosens as time passes, causing the wheel to play up and down. Naturally, this will cause shaking and vibration when driving, clunking sounds, and wandering steering.
One of the most expensive solutions on our list is replacing ball joints, although the cost primarily depends on your automobile. This is because most current automobiles need the replacement of the complete control arm, older vehicles just require the replacement of the ball joint.
As a result, a significant price difference between a control arm and a ball joint may range from $150 to $300. Additionally, you should budget around $100 for labour. The final amount is now between $120 and $400. Without a good automobile lift, repairing a ball joint at home is also not that simple, but you can test them just as quickly as tie rods by following this guide.
How to Check Ball Joints
- one of the front wheels is jacked up.
- This time, put both hands on the wheel, one on the bottom and another on top.
- Next, separately press the top and bottom in and out; if you feel any slop, the ball joint is damaged.
- Then, carry out the same procedure with the opposite wheel.
Damaged Wheels
Since we have already discussed tyre balance, damaged wheels are a rather apparent probable reason. Your wheels, however, are probably chipped or bent if you recently curbed a wheel or hit a pothole. Even if a little bend is undetectable to the unaided eye, it is more than enough to create vibrations at speeds of more than 70 mph.
My greatest advice in this situation is to get a new or used wheel from a reputable supplier. While some businesses may straighten and weld wheels, purchasing a used wheel is considerably safer and is likely not much more expensive.
Control Arm Bushings
The purpose of the control arm bushings is to dampen vibrations, collisions, and abrupt changes in direction. However, since they are made of rubber, the bushings will eventually degrade, split, harden, and cease functioning as intended. Vibrations and steering slop are a given when it occurs. You could also hear clunking noises, and the steering wheel may start to jerk.
Regrettably, control arm bushing replacement is not exactly inexpensive; for current automobiles, components often cost between $100 and $150. However, the bushings for older automobiles cost around $30 for a pair. Regarding labour, depending on the vehicle and where you reside, you should expect to pay somewhere between $130 and $200. Finally, it is difficult to determine if the bushings are damaged. Therefore, getting your suspension checked before purchasing any components is essential.
When your car shakes, is it safe to drive?
Yes, driving while your vehicle shakes is often safe since the possible reasons will not soon escalate into a hazardous scenario. To prevent more harm to the suspension, it is ideal if you solve whatever the issue is. Additionally, driving the automobile for longer distances is riskier, although up to 1,000 miles is safe.
Why Does My Car Slightly Shake While Parking?
Your automobile probably has a worn-out engine or gearbox mount if it only rattles while stationary and running. This causes the engine to shake excessively, which is felt within the cabin. Fortunately, they can be replaced for not too much money.
Can I Drive with a Broken Tie Rod?
You may still drive with a damaged or worn-out tie rod. Only a small amount of steering wheel motion will be noticeable. However, you will not be able to drive if the tie rod bends or breaks off since one of the wheels will not be attached to the steering rack and will not steer.
How Serious Is a Worn Ball Joint?
A worn ball joint is the most problematic of all the problems we described. A worn-out ball joint results in vertical free play in the wheel. If the ball joint fails over time or after hitting a few potholes, the wheel will separate from the suspension.
Are Tires Rotated After Each Oil Change?
Unless you request it or your technician certifies that he rotated the tyres of his own will, tyres are not rotated with every oil change. Additionally, rotating the tyres every other oil change is a good idea rather than doing it every time you change the oil.
Why Does My Car Shake or Vibrate When I Apply the Brakes?
Your brake rotors are warped if your automobile only shakes or vibrates when you brake. Now, you may ask a machining business to resurface the brake rotors if they are still thick enough, but replacing them is always the best option.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the first thing you should attempt to recall when you feel the vehicle start to shake is if you just curbed your wheels or hit a pothole. If the response is yes, the trembling may result from a dropped off-wheel balancing weight, a harmed wheel or tyre, or a misaligned wheel.
The best action is to bring your automobile to a shop for a tyre rotation and request that the technician check the suspension while it is there. It simply takes a few minutes, and after you have done it, you can pinpoint the problem. You may also test the tie rods and ball joints using our method, but it will only eliminate those two problems.
