2001 Chevy Cavalier Violent Shaking at high speeds

Tiny
CAVEYGUY01
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 99,000 MILES
When my car reaches speeds of about 50, I can feel it start to drag itself along like its going to stall. But at about 110 to 120 the car really starts to shake uncontrollable like its going to fall apart and it gets worse the faster I go. I'm afraid of taking my car over the highway anymore, in the case that it might cause me to have an accident.
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 AT 8:35 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
First take it to an alignment shop, have the tires balanced and the front suspension components checked (ball joints, tie rods, struts, bearings, control arm bushings).
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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 AT 9:01 AM
Tiny
CAVEYGUY01
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I kinda figured I needed an alignment but, would those other things cause that much of a problem and how much would you think it would cost on such a low budget.
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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
I cannot estimate cost until the problem is isolated. Violent shaking would indicate possible alignment problem, but could also be a suspension component as I mentioned.
Continued shaking will eventually cause a component failure and you do not want a critical component failure at speed (ball joint for example).
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Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 AT 5:43 AM
Tiny
CAVEYGUY01
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I see. I'll try to get the problem fixed as soon as possible, before any major damages arise!
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Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 AT 5:06 PM

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