What would cause my car to shake when I hit 50-55mph?

Question

It's fine on regular streets where I am going 35-40. And it doesn't happen all the time. It was really bad today and I am taking it in tomorrow, but I am trying to get an idea of how much this is gonna cost me and what it might be.

That's weird...I just got my tired balanced/rotated not even 2 months ago! Guess I'll find out tomorrow...thanks everyone!

That's weird...I just got my tired balanced/rotated not even 2 months ago! Guess I'll find out tomorrow...thanks everyone!

Answer 1

The most likely cause for having a vibration in your vehicle is improperlyl balanced tires. It's possible that the weights they use around the rim to balance your tires originally have come off.

I recommend you get your tires rebalanced. Especially the front 2. Typical Cost $8/tire

An alignment is less likely, as bad alignment would typically cause your car to pull in one direction. (ie if you step on the gas, let go of your steering wheel, your car would drift left or right if alignment was off)

It is possible that it's another suspension component that has worn out, but your most likely cause is the tire balance, and it's cheap to get done before getting a full diagnosis.

If you just had your tires balanced a few months ago, look along the edge of the rim (where the rubber tire mates with the metal rim) You should see small metal weights attached to the rim. Typically there is only one, but I have seen as many as 3 placed on a rim to get it to balance. Look for "white" areas where a weight may have fallen off. If you see an area where a weight may have fallen off, then a re-balance should solve the problem. Otherwise it may be some other suspension component that is causing your front end to vibrate.

Answer 2

Take it to the tire shop. Sounds most probably like front wheels unbalanced, and that doens't cost more than $10 a wheel.

If your steering pulls, then it's an alignment. And that could cost up to a hundred bucks.

But I'd bet is your tires out of balance.

Answer 3

Old tires are the most common cause.

Depending on how old the car is though, how much abuse it has withstood, and what kind of car it is, it could be a number of things.

The first thing though, is to get some decent tires on it - and have it aligned. They might find something else wrong when they attempt to align it, and that can get expensive quick.

Though waiting until the shaking starts doing more damage to the car can get expensive too.

Answer 4

First, check the condition of your tires. Uneven wear and/or missing balance weights can cause the same symptoms.
Then, the next thing to check would be alignment.
You could get an estimate from most tire places, and they will be able to diagnose the problem.

Answer 5

You need to get your tires aligned and balanced. Should cost around $100

Answer 6

tire balance is the #1 reason and it could be out of align from all these bad roads around, all it takes is to hit one big hole, or you could have a bent wheel.

Answer 7

I have been told that GM cars do that. I had a Dodge and it did it when I hit about 55. If I drove faster, it stopped. There was nothing wrong with the car. It just has to do with the parts that are used and how they interact at that speed.

Answer 8

Car is out of alignment or tires need balancing, either way, probally less then 100.00

Answer 9

don know
maybe
1 ball bearing comin loose
2 wheels need balanced
3 tires have cupping
4 control arms bent
5 need wheel alignment
take it to a repair shop

Answer 10

Good wheel alignment and a change of shocks should solve the problem

Good luck