The Phone Call I Get Most Often 'My Truck Is Shaking'

My phone rings. It's a number I don't recognize. I answer.

"Hey, is this Walt? I got your number from a guy at work. My truck is shaking. It started last week. I don't know what it is."

I've taken this call at least 300 times. I can tell you the story before the customer even finishes. A truck starts shaking at highway speed. Maybe it's a vibration. Maybe it's a wobble. Maybe it feels like the front wheels are about to fall off.

Here's the flowchart I've been using for years. It will save you money and it will save you time.

The Diagnostic Flowchart

If your truck is shaking, don't start buying parts. Start with these questions.

Question 1: When does it shake?

At highway speed (55-70 mph), but stops when you brake?

• This is a wheel balance or tire issue.

• Check: Tire balance, tire condition, wheel runout.

• Fix: Balance the wheels first. If that doesn't work, rotate tires. If the shake moves, it's a tire. If it stays in the front, check for a bent wheel.

At highway speed, and it gets worse when you brake?

• This is a brake rotor issue.

• Check: Brake rotor runout, pad condition, caliper slide pins.

• Fix: Replace rotors if they're warped. Replace pads if they're unevenly worn.

At all speeds, but worse at highway speed?

• This is a suspension or steering issue.

• Check: Ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar, wheel bearings.

• Fix: Replace the worn component. Don't guess.

Only on certain roads or at certain speeds?

• This is a tire or wheel issue.

• Check: Tire balance, tire runout, wheel runout.

• Fix: Balance the wheels. If the tire is damaged, replace it.

Question 2: Where does it shake?

The steering wheel shakes left and right?

• This is a front suspension issue.

• Check: Track bar, tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings.

• Fix: Inspect each component. Replace the one with play.

The whole truck shakes or vibrates?

• This could be a driveline issue.

• Check: Driveshaft balance, u-joints, pinion angle.

• Fix: Balance the driveshaft. Replace u-joints. Correct the pinion angle.

The seat and floor vibrate, but the steering wheel is steady?

• This is a rear driveline issue.

• Check: Rear u-joints, rear driveshaft balance, pinion angle.

• Fix: Check the rear u-joints first. Then check the driveshaft balance.

The steering wheel shakes and the brake pedal pulses?

• This is a brake rotor issue.

• Check: Front brake rotor runout.

• Fix: Replace rotors.

Question 3: When did it start?

After a recent repair or tire rotation?

• Something was installed incorrectly.

• Check: Lug nut torque, wheel fitment, alignment.

• Fix: Re-torque lug nuts. Check that the wheel is seated properly.

After hitting a pothole or off-road obstacle?

• Something was bent or damaged.

• Check: Wheels, tires, tie rods, control arms.

• Fix: Replace bent components. Don't try to straighten them.

Gradually over time?

• This is wear and tear.

• Check: Ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings.

• Fix: Replace the worn components.

Suddenly, with a noise?

• Something failed catastrophically.

• Check: U-joint, wheel bearing, ball joint.

• Fix: Replace the failed component immediately. Don't drive it.

The Flowchart Summary

Here's the simplified version I give to every customer who calls:

Step 1: Check the tires first. It's the most common cause and the easiest fix. Balance them. Check the pressure. Look for damage. If the shake changes when you rotate tires, it's a tire problem.

Step 2: Check the brakes. If the shake gets worse when you brake, it's rotors. If the pedal pulses, it's rotors.

Step 3: Check the front suspension. If the steering wheel shakes, it's track bar, tie rod ends, or ball joints. Jack it up and check for play.

Step 4: Check the driveline. If the whole truck vibrates, it's u-joints or driveshaft balance.

Step 5: Get an alignment. After you fix the problem, align the truck. Don't align before you fix. You'll just waste $100.

The Rule

I wrote this down on a whiteboard in my shop. It's been there for five years:

1. Tires

2. Brakes

3. Suspension

4. Driveline

5. Alignment

That's the order. If your truck is shaking, follow the order.

The bolt doesn't lie. And neither does a truck that's shaking.