Q: My car randomly shakes

asked by on October 17, 2016

My car will begin to vibrate randomly at varying speeds. I can feel it in the steering wheel and the front of the car. The only time it stops is when i turn the wheel about 90 degrees or i come to a near stop.

My car has 260000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Brake System Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Car is shaking or vibrating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The shaking you are feeling is likely a tire or suspension issue. As with diagnosing any problem, start with the simple solutions first.

Make sure your tires are properly and evenly inflated. Make sure your tires are balanced properly. Tires that are old or damaged can cause a shake or pull. This can usually be inspected visually. Even loose lug nuts can cause tire shake. If all of these components are in good condition, look to the suspension. You can visually check if anything is broken or if the CV joints have failed. Less commonly, a brake pad can engage and cause a pull or vibration. This would require a full brake inspection.

If you need help determining the source of the shaking, have a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, perform an inspection to help get your car back in full working order.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car keeps stalling
Hello. It sounds like your problem lies in the fuel/air mixture going to the carburetor. If the fuel/air mixture is not accurate, the idle needs to be checked with a vacuum gauge and adjusted to the proper idle and vacuum...
Over heating but water is flowing through radiator
Hi there, there are a number of things that can cause a vehicle to overheat. The water flowing through the radiator can be a little misleading. Here is a list of possible causes: Thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) Water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/water-pump-replacement) Clogged radiator...
My alternator is dropping charge. Is there any other option other than replacing it?
This may suggest that the failing voltage regulator may not be working properly. The voltage regulator is a unit that regulates the charging of the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-will-not-hold-a-charge-inspection) by the alternator. When the voltage regulator is not working properly, this may...
Horn honks when walking around or away from vehicle.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does this obviously as a security and safety feature. The software and settings will need to be accessed and changed to your liking. The first place you should check for help is...
Car engine oil is very low
If you are using less than a quart of oil for every 1000 miles then this is normal. If you are using more than a quart for every 750 miles then you may have an issue but you will need...
How long does it take to replace the hinges?
The door hinge replacement takes about 2 to 3 hours to replace depending on who is performing the job and is they have a helper to hold the door up in place or not. If you need further assistance with...
Service engine soon
Codes P0014 and P0024 are related to the exhaust valve timing. The engine is equipped with variable valve timing. This system is oil pressure fed. It can vary intake and exhaust cam timing to allow the engine to make good...
where is the bank 2 sensor 1 located on a 2010 ford f-150
When it comes to a Ford, cylinder #1 is on the passenger side of the vehicle, so that makes the passenger side Bank 1. Bank 2 is the driver's side of the engine. Sensor 1 is the sensor in front...
How long as does an automatic gearbox/ transmission last ?
Most automatic transmissions these days are pretty trouble free for about 120 to 150 thousand miles. After that all bets are off. I have seen plenty of cars go well past 200 thousand without problems. If you have one of...

Related articles

2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Which One Should I Buy?
When you are looking for a small-range sedan, you need to get somewhere quickly and inexpensively, and may even need to take a few kids with you. Slightly larger than a commuter car, these mid-size options offer decent gas mileage,...
How to Buy a Good Quality Crankshaft Harmonic Balancer
It It sounds musical, but what it really does is disperse vibrations that travel through the crankshaft to prevent damage to it and other vehicle components. The harmonic balancer, or vibration damper, is made up of two masses that vary...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Alaska in 2012
Alaska Alaska requires a different kind of vehicle to handle both the terrain and the wintery conditions. While some of the most popular options for the Alaskan terrain in previous years included options such as the Subaru Forester and the...