* Wheel Balance: This is the most common cause. Even with new tires, if the wheels aren't properly balanced, they'll vibrate at highway speeds. Get your wheels re-balanced. This is the first thing any mechanic will check.
* Tire Road Force Variation: Even perfectly balanced tires can have slight imperfections in their construction that cause vibrations. A road force balance machine can detect and compensate for these variations better than a standard balancer. This is more likely with cheaper tires.
* Bent Wheel(s): A bent wheel, even a slight bend, will cause vibrations. This could have happened before the new tires were installed. A mechanic should inspect the wheels carefully.
* Worn or Damaged Suspension Components: Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, or other suspension parts can wear out and cause vibrations, especially at higher speeds. A thorough suspension inspection is necessary.
* Brake Rotor Warpage: Warped brake rotors can cause pulsations in the steering wheel, especially when braking, but sometimes even when not braking. Inspection of the rotors is essential.
* Driveshaft Issues: Less likely, but a problem with the driveshaft (universal joints, etc.) could also lead to vibrations.
What to do:
1. Return to the tire shop: Explain the problem. They should re-check the balance as the first step. A reputable shop will want to resolve the issue.
2. Get a second opinion: If the tire shop doesn't find the problem, take your Tahoe to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection of the suspension, wheels, and brakes.
Don't ignore the shaking. Continuing to drive with a vibrating steering wheel can damage your vehicle further and is unsafe.
