Vibration in car/steering wheel at high speeds?

Question

I spun out in slippery conditions recently, hopped a curb and wound up against a muddy embankment. Now my car shakes and vibrates at higher speeds (ie 60+ mph), I can see it vibrating in the corners of the hood or my window when it's rolled down. Mainly I see/feel it in the steering wheel, which has a pretty major vibration.

I've heard it could be anything from major problems like bent axle, crushed bearings, or bent wheels, to simple problems like alignment or a broken off wheel balancing weight. Also there's still a good amount of hardened mud caked onto the left rear wheel and undercarriage from the muddy embankment I hit, and I've heard that can also cause unbalanced wheels and shaking/vibration. Any thoughts on what it might be? What things should I check, and in what order?

Pilsner Man · Accepted Answer

Why don't you wash the mud off at a car wash, then take it to a tire repair shop, unless you have balancing and alignment equipment.

KY-Clay · Answer

You have bent something and most likely it is a wheel. Could also be damage to the tire itself which is very dangerous. Immediately take the car to a tire shop and have the wheel/tire inspected for damage. Also have the suspension inspected for any damage. Have an alignment performed. Do not keep driving this car in this condition. You have done some damage and it may be serious so do not ignore this.

Shelby · Answer

Its resonance. The vibrations from your car's engine are forced onto the car parts. When the frequency of the working engine is equal to the natural frequency of the car parts,it'll vibrate at a larger amplitude. Consult a mechanic,he'll check it out for you. Its not like we can see your car from here.

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Vibration in car/steering wheel at high speeds?

3 Answers