“My Car Shakes When I Hit 60 MPH“: If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s a common yet distressing issue. The cause could be one of many — from the tires to the brakes or even the engine. With this phrase, you’ve embarked on an automotive journey to find the culprit.
In my years of experience and with the knowledge I’ve gathered, I’ve identified numerous possible causes of this disconcerting sensation. Faulty wheel bearings, warped brake rotors, worn brake pads, or even unbalanced tires are common causes. They’re key components of your vehicle and any issue with them could lead to noticeable vibrations, especially at high speeds.
Your car’s shaking could also be linked to your fuel intake system, air pressure in your tires, or timing belt. Even prior accident damage could be a factor. In some cases, the engine misfires due to faulty spark plugs, or a poorly mixed air-fuel ratio could be at fault. It’s crucial not to dismiss these signs — they may indicate the need for professional help.
In this article, Rich’s Auto Body Shop will delve into these potential causes, offering actionable solutions and guidance on seeking professional help. This important information and knowledge cannot be overlooked in your quest for a smoother ride.
My Car Shakes When I Hit 60 MPH: Delving into the Causes
From my experience, expertise, and extensive knowledge, I feel the issue of “my car shakes when I hit 60 mph” can result from an array of factors. These can range from wheel balance issues, alignment problems, and brake issues to more specific ones like worn tires and faulty brake calipers. Correct diagnosis is key to ensuring your vehicle provides a smooth and safe ride.
Wheel Balance Issues
Wheel imbalance is a frequent offender when it comes to car shaking at 60 mph. Your tires should spin evenly, but if a tire has lost its balance weight, it can wobble and cause the car to vibrate. This vibration often becomes noticeable around 55 mph and progressively worse as you hit 60 mph and beyond. Regular wheel balancing can rectify this problem, ensuring a smoother ride.
Suspension Problems
Issues with the suspension system might also cause your vehicle to shake at high speeds. The suspension system absorbs road shocks and maintains ride smoothness. If key parts like shocks, struts, or bushings are worn out or damaged, they may fail to dampen road bumps effectively, resulting in a shaking sensation when the car accelerates.
Alignment Problems
Misalignment of the wheels is another possible reason why your car shakes at high speeds. Correct wheel alignment ensures that the tires are angled properly relative to each other and the car’s body, which optimizes tire wear and handling. If your wheels are not aligned, the tires can wear unevenly, causing the vehicle to vibrate when you hit certain speeds.
Brake Issues
If your car shakes when you hit 60 mph or when you brake, the problem may lie with the brake components. Warped brake rotors are a common culprit. As the brake pads grip the uneven surface of the rotor, it can lead to a noticeable pulsing feeling through the brake pedal and cause the vehicle to shake when reaching higher speeds.
Tires are another critical component to consider. Uneven or excessively worn tires can also lead to vibrations at high speeds. Worn-out areas on the tires do not make consistent contact with the road, leading to an unstable drive. Regular tire rotations and maintaining proper tire balance can prevent such issues.
Brake Caliper
If the brake caliper sticks, it can cause your car to shake. This sticking results in friction between the caliper and brake rotor, which can lead to vibrations when the car reaches higher speeds. A regular inspection of the braking system can help to diagnose this problem early.
Brake Rotors
Warped or damaged brake rotors can lead to vibrations. When the brake pads grip an uneven rotor surface, it can cause a pulsing sensation that makes the whole car shake. Regular inspections of your braking system can help to prevent this issue.
Overinflated Tires
Overinflated tires lack proper contact with the road, leading to uneven tire wear and causing the car to shake at higher speeds. Maintaining the right tire pressure is crucial for a smooth ride and to prevent vibrations at high speeds.
Underinflated Tires
Just like overinflated tires, underinflated tires can cause your vehicle to shake. They deform under the car’s weight, causing an uneven tire surface to interact with the road, resulting in vibrations. Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial to prevent such problems.
Misfiring Spark Plugs
Misfiring spark plugs can cause the engine to run unevenly, causing shaking at high speeds. Misfires disrupt the engine’s balance and smooth operation, which can lead to noticeable vibrations. Regular engine tune-ups and timely spark plug replacements can often resolve this issue.
Transmission Issues
Problems with your vehicle’s transmission or low transmission fluid can also cause your vehicle to shake or jerk when driving, particularly noticeable at high speeds. Transmission problems could range from worn gears to issues with the clutch. It’s best to have a professional diagnose and fix transmission issues.
Clutch Master Cylinder
If you’re driving a manual transmission vehicle, issues with the clutch master cylinder could cause your car to shake when under load. This problem typically arises from wear and tear or leakage in the master cylinder. Regular inspection can prevent such issues.
Worn Out Suspension
If your suspension is worn out, your vehicle can vibrate or bounce while driving, particularly at higher speeds. A worn-out suspension will not absorb road bumps effectively, causing a jarring ride. Regular checks and timely replacements can keep your suspension in top condition.
Axle Issues
Finally, a bent or damaged axle can cause your vehicle to vibrate, with the vibrations typically increasing as the vehicle’s speed increases. Regular inspections can help identify this issue, which usually requires a professional fix.
Potential Issues
Symptoms
Possible Solutions
Wheel Balance Issues
The steering wheel shakes at high speed
Regular wheel balancing
Suspension Problems
Shaking at high speeds
Replace worn-out components
Alignment Problems
The vehicle doesn’t handle it correctly
Professional wheel alignment
Brake Issues
Pulsing feeling through the brake pedal
Check and replace faulty brake components
Worn Tires
Vibrations at high speeds
Regular tire maintenance
Brake Caliper
Vibrations at high speeds
Check and repair or replace calipers
Brake Rotors
Noticeable shaking when braking
Replace warped or damaged rotors
Overinflated Tires
Uneven tire wear and vibrations
Ensure correct tire pressure
Underinflated Tires
Vehicle vibrate
Ensure correct tire pressure
Misfiring Spark Plugs
Engine runs unevenly, shaking at high speeds
Engine tune-up
Transmission Issues
Vehicle shakes or jerks when driving
Check transmission and fluid levels
Clutch Master Cylinder
Vehicle shakes when under load
Check and replace if necessary
Worn Out Suspension
Vehicle vibrates or bounces while driving
Suspension check and replace components as needed
Axle Issues
Vibration increases with the vehicle’s speed
Check and replace bent or damaged axles
The array of reasons behind the issue “my car shakes when I hit 60 mph” are varied but diagnosable. Each of these problems, from wheel balance issues to transmission problems, can be resolved with timely maintenance and repairs.
My Car Shakes When I Hit 60 MPH: Diagnosing the Problem
Starting with the common phrase “my car shakes when I hit 60 mph,” diagnosing the exact cause of the problem is of utmost importance. By identifying the source of the shaking, you can determine the right course of action, whether it’s a simple tire balance or more complex brake work. In this section, we’ll break down the diagnosis process into two main categories: DIY Inspection Steps and Seeking Professional Help.
DIY Inspection Steps
Based on my experience and expertise, I feel that certain checks can be carried out by the car owner before heading to a professional. These are basic but can give you valuable insight into what’s causing your vehicle to shake at high speeds. Keep in mind, however, that safety should always be your priority.
Tire Inspection: The first step is to inspect your tires. Check for signs of uneven wear or damage, and ensure they are correctly inflated. Remember, both over and underinflation can cause your car to vibrate.
Brake Check: Next, inspect your brakes. Listen for any strange noises when you apply the brakes or feel for any unusual vibrations through the brake pedal. These could point to issues with your brake pads or rotors.
Engine Inspection: Misfires can cause your car to shake, so check your engine for any signs of a misfire, such as irregular idling or a lack of power.
Wheel and Suspension Check: Check your wheels and suspension for any signs of damage. A bent wheel or a damaged suspension component can cause vibrations at high speeds.
Seeking Professional Help
While the DIY checks can provide some insights, if “my car shakes when I hit 60 mph” continues to be an issue, seeking professional help is advisable.
A professional mechanic or reliable service center has the experience, tools, and skills to accurately diagnose and fix the problem. They will carry out a comprehensive inspection, checking everything from the engine to the transmission, brakes, and suspension.
This will help identify whether the shaking is due to a common issue like wheel balance, brake problems, or something more complex like a faulty transmission or bent axle. Remember, regular maintenance can prevent many of these issues from arising, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable automotive journey.
At the end of the day, diagnosing the problem correctly is crucial. Whether it’s a simple issue you can solve by yourself or something more complex requiring professional assistance, understanding the reason behind why your car shakes when you hit 60 mph is the first step to fixing it.
My Car Shakes When I Hit 60 MPH: Fixing the Issue
Dealing with the situation, “my car shakes when I hit 60 mph,” demands a resolution. Based on my experience and expertise, I feel that finding a suitable solution is crucial once the problem has been identified. This section will guide you through the usual remedies for shaking, depending on the diagnosed cause. Keep in mind that while some issues can be tackled with rudimentary mechanical knowledge, others might require professional intervention.
Balancing and Rotating the Tires
Unbalanced or unevenly worn tires can cause your vehicle to shake, particularly at high speeds. In such cases, balancing and rotating the tires is the right way to go. This process carried out at any tire shop, ensures that weight is evenly distributed across all four wheels, providing a smoother ride.
Replacing Worn Tires
Tires in bad condition can also contribute to your car shaking. If your tires are excessively worn or damaged, the best recourse is to replace them. Aside from causing your car to shake, driving on worn or damaged tires poses significant safety risks, like tire blowouts.
Realigning the Wheels
Misaligned wheels can lead to a shaky ride as well. When your wheels aren’t aligned properly, it causes uneven tire wear and your car might start shaking when it reaches certain speeds. Correcting this issue involves wheel alignment. A professional will adjust your wheels’ angles so they’re back to the manufacturer’s specified position.
Brake System Repairs
If your car shakes when braking, the issue likely lies with your brake system. Brake issues, such as worn brake pads, warped rotors, or a sticking brake caliper, can cause the vehicle to shake. A mechanic can diagnose and repair these issues, ensuring safe and smooth braking.
Replacing Misfiring Spark Plugs
Engine misfires can make your car shake, especially when you’re accelerating. If you’ve identified engine misfires as the source of the shaking, replacing the misfiring spark plugs should resolve the problem. Although replacing spark plugs is a task that can be done at home, if you’re not confident with car engines, seek professional help.
Transmission Repair or Fluid Replacement
A faulty transmission or low transmission fluid can also cause your car to shake. These issues can be a bit more complicated to resolve. In these cases, solutions range from replacing the transmission fluid to repairing or even replacing the transmission – tasks best left to professional mechanics.
Replacing Damaged Suspension Components
The suspension system in your car is designed to provide a smooth ride, even on bumpy roads. If the suspension is worn out or damaged, the ride becomes less smooth, and you might start feeling your car shake. Replacing the damaged or worn-out components should solve this issue.
Replacing a Bent Axle
Lastly, a bent or damaged axle can be another reason your car shakes when you reach high speeds. A bent axle can’t be repaired – it needs to be replaced. This is a complex job that should be performed by professionals.
Problem
Solution
Unbalanced/Unevenly Worn Tires
Balancing and Rotating Tires
Worn or Damaged Tires
Tire Replacement
Misaligned Wheels
Wheel Alignment
Brake Issues
Brake System Repairs
Engine Misfires
Replacing Misfiring Spark Plugs
Faulty Transmission/Low Transmission Fluid
Transmission Repair or Fluid Replacement
Damaged Suspension Components
Replacing Suspension Components
Bent or Damaged Axle
Axle Replacement
In summary, the journey to rectify the issue “my car shakes when I hit 60 mph” involves proper diagnosis and corresponding repairs or replacements. Always prioritize safety and consider professional help for complex issues.
Preventive Maintenance and Tips
Even after you’ve resolved the issue, “my car shakes when I hit 60 mph,” maintaining the good condition of your car is a continuous process. Through my experience and expertise, I feel that preventive maintenance can go a long way to avoid future problems. Implementing a regular maintenance routine for your car can prevent many of the issues that cause it to shake at high speeds.
Regular Tire Maintenance
Tires are fundamental to your vehicle’s performance and safety. From my experience, expertise, and feelings about vehicle care, I must emphasize that ensuring your tires are balanced and rotated regularly, ideally every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, is pivotal to preventing issues like your car shaking at higher speeds.
The integrity of your vehicle’s braking system is critical to secure driving. I firmly believe, based on my knowledge and experience, that regularly inspecting your brakes for signs of wear or damage is a necessary practice to avoid potential shaking caused by brake system anomalies.
Regular Wheel Alignment
Proper alignment significantly enhances the car’s performance. Having your wheels aligned by a professional every two to three years, or anytime you get new tires, is something I feel strongly about, given my expertise and experience in vehicle maintenance. Misaligned wheels can cause your car to shake, among other problems.
Timely Spark Plug Replacement
Spark plugs are essential for optimal engine performance. From my experience, I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to replace your spark plugs as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, typically every 30,000 miles. Ignoring this can lead to engine misfires and car shaking.
Regular Transmission Checks
The transmission’s condition is paramount for a well-functioning vehicle. In my expertise and experience, I can assertively say that regularly checking your transmission fluid levels and changing the fluid as per the manufacturer’s instructions are preventative measures that can help avert shaking issues related to transmission malfunctions.
Routine Suspension Checks
A well-maintained suspension system guarantees a smooth and controlled ride. Regular checks of your suspension system can preempt the wear or damage that could cause your car to shake at high speeds. As someone with expertise in this area, I feel this is a crucial part of car maintenance.
Axle Inspection
Axles are a vital component of your vehicle. Having the axles checked for damage after an accident or severe bump is something I strongly advocate for, based on my experience and knowledge. Ignoring potential axle damage could lead to problems, such as your car shaking.
Preventive Maintenance
Purpose
Regular Tire Maintenance
Prevents uneven wear and tear
Routine Brake Checks
Detects wear or damage early
Regular Wheel Alignment
Prevents uneven tire wear and shaking
Timely Spark Plug Replacement
Prevents misfires and ensures optimal engine performance
Regular Transmission Checks
Maintains transmission health, preventing shaking
Routine Suspension Checks
Ensures a smoother ride
Axle Inspection
Detects potential damage following accidents or severe bumps
By following these preventive maintenance measures, you’re far less likely to encounter issues such as “my car shakes when I hit 60 mph“. Regular maintenance not only ensures your car runs smoothly but also helps detect potential problems before they result in expensive repairs.
FAQs about My Car Shakes When I Hit 60 MPH
Why Does My Car Tremble at High Speeds?
From my experience and expertise, I feel the main cause of a trembling car at high speeds usually lies in balance issues or defects in the tire. A bent wheel or a worn driveline U-joint can also cause such vibrations.
Yes, you should be concerned if your car shakes. Shaking can indicate a range of issues, from simple tire balance problems to more serious mechanical defects. It’s best to get it checked to avoid potentially serious problems down the line.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Brake at High Speeds?
The shaking of the steering wheel during high-speed braking is often linked to issues with the brake rotors. When these rotors become warped or bent, the brake pads press against an uneven surface while braking, leading to the steering wheel shaking.
Are unbalanced tires a possible reason for my car shaking?
Absolutely, unbalanced tires are a common reason for car shaking. When tires are not properly balanced, they can cause uneven tire wear and lead to vibration at high speeds.
What role does the brake system play in my car shaking at 60 mph?
Your brake system can definitely contribute to your car shaking at 60 mph. Any faults within the braking components, such as warped brake rotors or worn-out brake pads, can cause vibrations.
Can wheel alignment issues cause my car to shake at 60 mph?
Yes, wheel alignment issues can cause your car to shake at high speeds. Misalignment can result from hitting a curb or going through a pothole and can lead to vibrations.
Could worn-out suspension parts be causing my car to shake?
Worn-out suspension parts, such as ball joints and control arm bushings, can indeed cause your car to shake. When these components wear out, they can cause vibrations.
Can engine issues cause my car to shake at 60 mph?
Certainly, if your car’s engine isn’t getting enough oxygen, fuel, or spark needed to run smoothly, you’ll likely notice a vibration. This indicates engine issues that need to be addressed.
Could my car shaking at 60 mph be due to a previous accident?
Yes, if your car was involved in an accident, it’s possible that your axle was bent or damaged. This damage can result in a shaking or vibrating sensation at high speeds.
Definitely, one of the most obvious signs of a bent rim is shakiness and vibration transmitted up the steering column. A bent rim disrupts the balance of your wheel-tire assembly, causing your vehicle to shake.
Conclusion for My Car Shakes When I Hit 60 MPH
My car shakes when I hit 60 MPH, this is an issue that many vehicle owners may encounter. From my experience and expertise, I feel that such a problem can be caused by a variety of factors, from tire imbalance and faulty brake systems to more serious engine misfires or damaged components from previous accidents.
It is crucial to remember that shaking at high speeds is not a normal behavior for any vehicle, and it often indicates underlying issues that need to be addressed. Preventive maintenance and regular checks can help mitigate these problems before they escalate into serious vehicle damage or unsafe driving conditions.
In this article, we’ve walked through the possible causes, potential fixes, and preventive tips to handle a car that shakes when hitting 60 MPH. The information here is intended to help you understand the possible reasons and steps to solve or prevent this issue.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to the health of your vehicle. It’s always good to remember that professional help is just a call away and there’s no substitute for it when it comes to complex mechanical issues.
We hope you found this article informative and helpful. Please share this post with your friends, car enthusiasts, drivers, vehicle owners, and neighbors so they can also benefit from this knowledge. Safe driving to all!
William Moore is an automotive specialist with two decades of experience, ready to give your car the care it needs. He understands all facets of auto maintenance and repair, from oil changes to brake jobs. Working with the latest tools and technologies, he provides complete service on all makes and models of cars. With his attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship, you can expect excellent results.
