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Vibration At Motorway Speed

A vibration felt in the steering wheel, seat or floor that appears at a certain speed, often between 90 and 120 km/h, is usually caused by wheel imbalance, a bent wheel, an uneven tyre or a worn driveshaft.

Normal risk

Have it checked soon. Imbalance wears tyres and suspension parts, and a damaged tyre can fail.

Short answer · Why does my car vibrate at high speed?

A wheel that is slightly out of balance or round shakes more as it spins faster, and at a certain speed the shaking matches the natural movement of the suspension. That is why the vibration often appears in a speed band and fades above it. In the steering wheel it points to the front wheels; in the seat or floor, to the rear or the driveline.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Note the speed rangeA vibration that starts and fades in a band is typical of imbalance.
  2. Check the tyresLook for bulges, uneven wear and missing balance weights.Do not drive fast with a visibly damaged tyre.
  3. Notice where you feel itSteering wheel: front; seat or floor: rear or driveshaft.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Did it start after new tyres or a pothole?Balance or a bent wheel is likely.
  2. Does it change when braking?That points to the brake discs instead.
  3. Does it change with throttle?Points to driveshafts or engine mounts.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Wheel imbalanceLost or shifted balance weights.
  2. Bent wheelOften after a pothole.
  3. Uneven or damaged tyreBulges or separated tread.
  4. Worn driveshaft joint or propshaftVibration under load.
  5. Worn suspension or steering jointsAmplify small imbalances.

Questions about Vibration At Motorway Speed

Is wheel balancing expensive?

It is usually a quick and inexpensive job and often fixes the problem.

Can mud in the wheels cause vibration?

Yes. Packed mud or snow inside the wheel can unbalance it; clean it out.