Why does my steering wheel shake when I go over 70 mph?

At highway speeds, a steering wheel shake is most commonly caused by wheel and tire issues such as a wheel out of balance or a damaged tire or rim. Other factors like alignment problems, worn suspension parts, or worn wheel bearings can also cause vibrations.

Vibration at elevated speeds is a warning sign that something in the wheel assembly or the road contact patch isn’t rolling smoothly. The speed amplifies small imperfections into a noticeable shake, and the underlying cause may point to components you rely on for safe handling.

Common causes of highway-speed vibration

The following common causes are listed in approximate order of how often they show up in highway-speed shake cases.

• Wheel and tire imbalance — a tire and/or wheel that isn’t perfectly balanced often produces a steady vibration that grows with speed.


• Damaged or bent wheel rim — a bent rim from potholes or curb strikes can create runout that shakes the wheel at speed.


• Tire defects or irregular wear — belts separating, out-of-round tires, bulges, or severe cupping can cause vibration.


• Uneven wear or incorrect tire pressure — irregular wear or under/over-inflation can disrupt smooth rolling.


• Wheel alignment issues — misaligned wheels (toe/camber) can generate steering wheel vibration and pulling at speed.


• Worn or damaged suspension/steering components — tie rods, ball joints, control arms, or bushings can introduce play or stiffness that manifests as vibration.


• Worn wheel bearings — a failing bearing can cause noise and vibration that may be felt in the steering wheel.


• Loose lug nuts or improper wheel mounting — wheels that aren’t securely fastened can shake or even detach.


• Brake rotor warp — warped rotors can cause a pulsating sensation when braking and, in severe cases, may contribute to vibration at speed.

Conclusion: If you notice vibration primarily at cruising speed, focus on wheel, tire, and alignment issues. If the shake worsens with braking, the brake system or rotors are more likely involved. A professional inspection can pinpoint the exact cause and prevent uneven tire wear or safety issues.

What you can do now

DIY diagnostic steps

Use these steps to narrow down likely causes before you visit a shop.

• Check tire pressures on all four tires and compare to the vehicle’s recommended settings; inspect for uneven wear, bulges, cuts, or embedded objects.


• Inspect tires for visible damage, excessive tread wear, or signs of belt separation and sidewall defects.


• Verify wheel lug nut torque and ensure wheels are properly mounted; retorque if necessary according to the vehicle’s specification.


• Note whether vibration occurs at all speeds, only above a certain threshold (e.g., 70 mph), or only during braking or turning to help distinguish wheel/tire issues from suspension or brake problems.


• Consider wheel balancing and alignment: if a balancing weight is missing or a wheel needs trueing, a shop can correct imbalance; an alignment will correct toe/camber issues that cause steering pull and vibration.


• Inspect steering and suspension components for play or damage (tie rods, ball joints, control arms, struts/shocks) and report any obvious looseness to a professional.


• Check brakes for rotor warp or caliper sticking; if vibration occurs during braking, request a brake servicing assessment.

If you can’t identify the cause or the vibration persists after basic checks, arrange a professional inspection promptly. Prolonged driving with a vibration can lead to uneven tire wear and more serious steering or suspension damage.

Summary

Steering-wheel shake at highway speed is most often linked to wheel-tire issues such as balance, alignment, or rotor condition, but can also stem from suspension or bearing wear. Start with a tire and wheel inspection, verify proper inflation and lug-nut torque, and then pursue balancing, alignment, or component testing as needed. Prompt diagnostics protect tires, steerage, and overall safety on the road.

How do I fix my steering wheel shaking at high speeds?

To fix a shaking steering wheel at high speeds, first get your tires balanced and check their pressure and condition. If the problem continues, you may need a wheel alignment or a professional inspection of your vehicle's brakes, suspension, and other front-end components like tie rods or wheel bearings. 
This video explains the common causes of steering wheel vibration at high speeds: 57sTorqueCarsYouTube · Dec 24, 2023
Immediate checks and fixes

• Check tire pressure: Use a gauge to ensure all tires are inflated to the correct pressure, which is typically listed on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. 
• Inspect tires: Look for uneven wear or damage, such as flat spots from a skid or bulging. If a tire has a flat spot, it may need replacement. 
• Rotate tires: If you're comfortable doing so, rotating tires can help equalize wear patterns and might reduce the vibration. 

Professional services

• Balance your wheels: This is the most common fix and involves a professional balancing machine to ensure weight is evenly distributed around the wheel and tire assembly. 
• Get a wheel alignment: A proper alignment ensures your wheels are pointing in the correct direction, which can prevent uneven tire wear and vibrations. 
• Have brakes checked: Warped brake rotors can cause a shaking that occurs at higher speeds and may also be felt in the brake pedal when you brake. 
• Inspect suspension and steering components: A mechanic can inspect for worn-out parts like tie rods, bushings, or a bad wheel bearing, which can also cause steering wheel shake. 

This video demonstrates how a mechanic inspects a vehicle for issues causing steering wheel shake: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jan 29, 2025

Why does my steering wheel shake when I drive over 70?

A shaking steering wheel at speeds over 70 mph is most commonly caused by out-of-balance wheels or worn suspension components, such as tie rods or ball joints. Other potential causes include tire issues like uneven wear or damage, and brake problems like warped rotors. 
Tire and wheel problems

• Wheel imbalance: Weights used to balance the wheels can come off, or dirt and mud can build up on the wheel, causing it to be unbalanced at high speeds. This is the most frequent cause of shaking at higher speeds. 
• Tire wear: Unevenly worn tires, cupping, or other tread damage can cause vibrations. A tire that is not properly inflated can also be a cause. 
• Bent rim: A bent rim can cause a loss of balance and lead to shaking. 

Suspension and steering issues

• Suspension components: Worn-out suspension parts like ball joints, tie rods, or bushings can lead to a shaky steering wheel at high speeds. 
• Steering rack: A worn plastic bushing on the steering rack can cause the issue. 
• Alignment: Misaligned wheels can contribute to shaking. 

Brake problems

• Warped brake rotors: If you notice the shaking also occurs when you brake, warped brake rotors are a likely cause. 
• Sticking brake caliper: A caliper that sticks can cause the brakes to drag, leading to a vibration. 

This video explains the causes of steering wheel shaking at high speeds: 59sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Apr 7, 2023
What to do

1. Check tires: Visually inspect your tires for any obvious damage or uneven wear. Check that they are properly inflated. 
2. Consider a wheel balance and alignment: If your tires look okay, the most common next step is to get your wheels balanced and your alignment checked. 
3. Consult a professional: If the issue persists, take your car to a mechanic. They can inspect the suspension, steering, and braking components to accurately diagnose the problem. 

Can I fix steering wheel vibration myself?

Check your tire inflation first, as important pressure can often correct minor imbalances that cause steering wheel shaking. If your tires are properly inflated but you're still experiencing issues, it's time to investigate further into tire imbalance. Uneven tread wear is a common culprit behind this.

At what speed do unbalanced tires shake while driving?

between 50 and 70 mph
If you're feeling vibrations in your steering wheel while driving, particularly at speeds between 50 and 70 mph, unbalanced tires might be the culprit.