Car Shakes When Driving Over 60-70 Mph- What Should I Do?

Your car begins to shake as soon as you exceed 70 mph is not usual. You must address this issue once you encounter this problem.

So, why your car shakes when driving over 60-70 mph? Basically, worn or damaged tires can cause this issue. Other possible reasons also include, 

• Unbalanced or worn wheels
• Bent rims 
• Steering and suspension issues
• Worn or damaged CV joints
• Engine misalignment
• Clogged or worn catalytic converter 

This article will look at the most common causes of car shaking and offer solutions.

10 Reasons Why Your Car Shakes When Driving Over 60-70mph

Here are ten detailed reasons for a car shaking at 60-70 mph speed and how to fix them.

1. Worn or damaged tires

Tires worn or damaged can cause your car to shake at high speeds. Check your tires’ tread depth; if it is less than 2/32 inches, it is time to replace them. Check the tires for any cuts, bulges, or uneven wear, as these can cause vibrations.

Solution

Replace worn or damaged tires with new ones.

2. Unbalanced or unevenly worn wheels

An imbalance in the wheel’s rotational speed can cause shaking, especially when the car is driving at high speed. As the wheel rotates, the heavier portion of the wheel causes a vibration. And as the wheel’s speed increases, this vibration is amplified. 

The vibration is most noticeable at higher speeds, although it can also be felt at lower speeds. It can be felt in the steering wheel, the seat, and the floorboards. Common causes of unevenly worn wheels include worn tires, improper alignment, or a bent wheel. 

However, worn tires can cause the wheel to wobble and vibrate as it rotates, whereas improper wheel alignment can cause the wheels to be misaligned, resulting in vibration as the wheel spins. A bent wheel can also cause the wheel to wobble and vibrate as it turns.

Solution

Check your tires and if they are worn, replace them. Having your tires regularly balanced and aligned is also essential, as this can help prevent uneven tire wear and extend their lifespan. 

3. Damaged or worn wheel bearings

Wheel bearings worn or damaged can also cause a vehicle to shake at high speeds. Wheel bearings support the car’s weight and ensure a comfortable ride. When worn or damaged, they can cause vibrations in the wheels, making it difficult to control the vehicle.

Solution

Check your wheel bearings and, if damaged, replace them.

4. Bent rims

When you hit a pothole or a curb, your rims may bend. When the rim is bent, the wheel and tire’s weight distribution becomes uneven, resulting in an imbalance. This imbalance can cause the vehicle to vibrate and shake at higher speeds. 

The intensity of the shaking will depend on the rim’s degree of bending. That means the greater the bending, the more pronounced the shaking. If the rim is severely bent, the car may be challenging to control at high speeds due to excessive vibration. 

Solution

Purchase new rims to replace the bent ones.

5. Suspension and steering issues

Vibrations at high speeds can be caused by steering and suspension issues. Ball joints, tie rods, and control arms that are worn or damaged can cause steering and suspension problems.

Solution

Replace worn or damaged steering and suspension components.

6. Worn or damaged CV joints

CV joints are a component of the axle assembly and are responsible for power transfer from the transmission to the wheels. Damaged or worn CV joints can cause the axle to vibrate and shake, which can be felt throughout the vehicle. 

The force of the wind against the car can amplify the shaking and vibration when traveling at high speeds. It is vital to have the CV joints inspected. Also, replace it if you observe your vehicle shaking at speeds of 60 to 70 mph.

Solution

Replace the damaged CV joints.

7. Brake system issues

If your braking system is malfunctioning, you may notice reduced grip from your brake pads and calipers. This leads to warped brake discs over time. Vibrations through the steering wheel may become noticeable at speeds above 60mph due to sticky calipers and rotors. 

As you approach 70 mph, the shaking will become more intense, and you may notice a burning odor when you stop. When braking, the vibration will be more noticeable if the problem is with the front brakes. 

Solution

Replace the rotors. Additionally, it is essential to have the brakes inspected frequently to ensure that any potential problems are addressed before they become severe. 

8. Engine misalignment

A misaligned engine can cause a vehicle to shake at speeds over 60-70 mph. This occurs when the engine and transmission are not correctly aligned, resulting in uneven power transmission from the engine to the wheels. 

This may result in vibrations and shaking as well, especially at higher speeds when the engine is under tremendous strain. 

Symptoms of engine misalignment include 

• A steering wheel and vehicle-wide shaking or vibration
• Shaking or vibration in the pedals
• At higher speeds, the shaking can become more pronounced and may be accompanied by a loud noise or rattling

Accordingly, worn or damaged engine mounts are the leading causes of engine misalignment. Engine mounts are the rubber or metal components that hold the engine in place and absorb vibrations. 

When these mounts become worn or damaged, they cannot hold the engine securely in place, causing the engine to shift and become misaligned.

Worn drive shafts are another common cause of misalignment. Drive shafts are long, cylindrical components that connect the transmission to the wheels. When these shafts become worn or damaged, they can misalign the transmission with the wheels, resulting in shaking and vibration.

Solution

A mechanic will inspect the engine mounts and drive shafts for wear or damage to correct engine misalignment. If worn or damaged parts are discovered, they will be replaced to restore proper alignment. 

9. Worn or clogged Catalytic converter

When the catalytic converter becomes worn or clogged, it can have a negative effect on the engine’s performance and cause a variety of problems, including shaking.

Also, the flow of exhaust gases can be restricted, leading to an increase in engine backpressure. This increased backpressure can cause the engine to operate poorly, resulting in a rough idle, shakiness, and poor acceleration. 

So, when traveling at high speeds, such as 60 to 70 miles per hour, the engine works harder. And this can exacerbate any problems caused by a worn or clogged catalytic converter. The increased engine load can cause the shaking to intensify, making driving at high speeds difficult.

Solution

If the mechanic determines that the catalytic converter is causing the shaking, they can replace or repair it. A replacement converter will be an entirely new unit, while a repair will involve cleaning or replacing the converter’s internal components.

10. Damaged or Worn Drive Shaft

The drive shaft is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. When worn or damaged, it can cause vibrations in the vehicle and make it difficult to control at high speeds.

Solution

Replace the driveshaft if worn or damaged.

If you’re experiencing shaking or vibration when driving over 60-70 mph, you might find our articles on why your car shakes after getting new tires and why your car shakes after changing spark plugs helpful. Our article on why your car shakes after getting new tires explains how tire balance and alignment can affect your vehicle and provides solutions to fix the problem. Meanwhile, our article on why your car shakes after changing spark plugs explores possible reasons for shaking after a spark plug replacement and how to address the issue.

FAQs

Here are other related questions.

Conclusion

Shaking at high speeds is a common problem caused by various factors, including worn or damaged tires, suspension components, wheel bearings, and drive shafts. 

It is essential to have your vehicle inspected frequently and address any issues as they arise. Remember, driving at high speeds in a shaky vehicle is unsafe because it makes it difficult to control the car.