What Causes the Car to Shake at 60 mph?
2 Answers
Generally, there are two types of shaking when a vehicle is driven at high speeds: one is steering wheel shaking, and the other is body shaking. Below are the reasons why a car may shake when driven at 60 mph: 1. Steering wheel shaking: The common issue is poor wheel balance on the two front wheels, which can be resolved by rebalancing them. Other causes include deformed or uneven tire treads, loose steering linkage ball joints, worn or loose wheel bearings, or bent tie rods, all of which can lead to steering wheel shaking at high speeds. 2. Body shaking: The common issue is poor wheel balance on all four wheels, which can be fixed by rebalancing them. Other causes include deformed or uneven tire treads, loose wheel bearings, or bent tie rods, but the two most common issues are poor wheel balance and loose wheel bearings.
I've experienced this while driving—it starts shaking at 60 km/h. The most common cause is an issue with tire dynamic balance, like when the balancing weights on the four wheels fall off or the rims are deformed, leading to resonance and shaking at specific speeds. Another possibility is misaligned front wheels, where incorrect wheel angles cause uneven movement, similar to walking with a limp. A damaged CV joint can also be the culprit, often making a knocking sound when turning. Warped brake discs are another reason, especially noticeable right after braking. Lastly, worn-out steering linkage bushings or excessive play in the chassis can make the car feel unstable. I recommend starting with an affordable dynamic balance and wheel alignment, which often solves the problem. If the shaking persists, a thorough chassis inspection is necessary—safety first!