* Balance Issues: This is the most likely culprit. Unbalanced tires or wheels are a frequent cause of shaking at higher speeds. Get your tires rotated and balanced. Also, check for bent rims.
* Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear, such as cupping or feathering, can cause vibrations. Inspect your tires for any irregularities. If the wear is excessive, replacement may be necessary.
* Wheel Bearings: Worn wheel bearings can cause shaking and rumbling, especially at higher speeds. A mechanic can check for play in the bearings.
* Driveshaft Problems: A bent or unbalanced driveshaft can transmit vibrations to the entire vehicle. This is less common but possible.
* Suspension Components: Worn-out ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, or other suspension components can cause shaking. These parts should be inspected for wear and tear.
* Brake Components: Warped rotors or calipers sticking can cause vibrations, especially when braking, but can sometimes manifest as a shake even at constant highway speed.
* Transmission Problems: While less likely to cause a *shake* specifically, transmission issues can cause vibrations that feel like a shake.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Start with the simplest and cheapest: Get your tires rotated and balanced. This is the most common fix.
2. Check your tires: Look for uneven wear, bulges, or cuts.
3. Inspect your wheels: Look for any bends or damage.
4. Have a mechanic perform a thorough inspection: This is crucial to identify less obvious problems like worn wheel bearings, suspension components, or driveshaft issues.
It's important to get this checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with a shaking vehicle at highway speeds can be dangerous.
