At Cobb Tire and Auto Repair, we are often challenged with finding vibrations while driving at high speeds. This could be anything from a slight wiggle in the steering wheel, to a shake from the entire car at higher speeds. This can develop into a rhythmic vibration felt through the seat and floor as you drive. The steering wheel may shake back and forth, making your ride feel less smooth at 70 mph. Should you be concerned? Yes, I think you should Your car is indicating that something is amiss. Here are a few things to think about if you are feeling a shake over 70 mph.
- Unbalanced Tires: One of the most common cause of a vibration over 70 mph is unbalanced tires. Tires are rarely perfect from the factory. They require Balancing to minimize vibration while driving. With new tires, a balancer is used to measure and correct the imbalance. Weights are used to offset heavy spots in the tire. If a tire becomes unbalanced, you will feel a vibration. This may manifest as a shaky steering wheel or bouncing from your seat. This issue tends to worsen with more speed. As tires wear down, they can also become unbalanced, leading to similar vibrations. We recommend checking your tire balance once yearly.
- Worn Suspension Parts: Your suspension system is critical for keeping your tires in contact with the road. Worn suspension components can create loose play in the steering system. This can cause your vehicle to feel loose and shaky while driving at high speeds. This can result in a vibration at speeds over 70 mph. Components like Tie Rod Ends, Control Arm Bushings, Ball Joints, and Shocks or Struts can wear out over time. This can lead to a loose or shaky feeling in your vehicle. To address this, have your car inspected by a reputable Auto Repair Shop and be sure to replace any worn parts. Cobb Tire and Auto Repair can help you with this.
- Brake Rotor Problems: Typically, brake-related vibrations occur when braking and slowing from high speeds. If you notice a Vibration Over 70 mph goes away once you stop braking, it may indicate that your Disc Brake Rotors are the problem. They may need to be replaced. Tools like dial indicators can help identify which rotor is faulty.
- Drivetrain Problems: While less common, a worn drivetrain can cause Vibrations Over 70 mph. These components include front and rear Differentials, Transmission, Transfer Case, Drive Shafts, and CV Axles. Wear on any of these parts can lead to vibrations. If the vibration occurs only during acceleration from a stop or while climbing a hill, the drivetrain may be the issue. It’s advisable to have a Vibration Diagnostic performed by a trusted Auto Repair Shop. Drivetrain Vibrations can difficult to pin down.
As we drive our vehicles and push them harder, vibrations can become a concern. If you are feeling any kind of vibration at high speeds, give us a call at Cobb Tire and Auto Repair. We will set an appointment for you and dig in. Hopefully this helps clarify potential causes for vibrations at speeds over 70 mph.