Front end shudders at 40-45 mph... any ideas?

Repair Help Forum
1

I have a 2008 Chevy Impala and I’ve been experiencing a shudder in the front end when I reach about 40 mph. It seems to stop slightly after I hit 60. I had the wheels re-balanced about three weeks ago, but the issue is still there. The steering wheel is also starting to shake a bit with the shudders, which isn’t aggressive but definitely noticeable. I really need some help figuring this out.

2

It sounds like it could be a few things. Have you checked your tires for any uneven wear or damage? Sometimes a bulge or flat spot can cause shuddering.

3

Dara said:
It sounds like it could be a few things. Have you checked your tires for any uneven wear or damage? Sometimes a bulge or flat spot can cause shuddering.

I haven’t checked that yet. What kind of wear should I look for?

4

@Benn
Look for any areas that seem more worn down than others or any visible damage. If the tread is uneven, that could definitely be the problem.

5

Keats said:
Another thing to consider is your alignment. If your wheels are out of alignment, it can cause shaking and shuddering at certain speeds.

How do I know if my alignment is off? Is it a big deal?

6

Also, don’t forget to check your brake components. Sometimes warped rotors can cause vibrations, especially when you’re applying the brakes.

7

Phoenix said:
Also, don’t forget to check your brake components. Sometimes warped rotors can cause vibrations, especially when you’re applying the brakes.

I didn’t think of that. How can I tell if my rotors are warped?

8

@Zen
You might feel a pulsing sensation when you press the brake pedal or hear unusual noises. If you notice that, it’s worth getting them inspected.

9

Have you considered checking the suspension components? Worn-out parts like bushings or struts can also lead to shuddering.

10

Vaughn said:
Have you considered checking the suspension components? Worn-out parts like bushings or struts can also lead to shuddering.

I haven’t looked into that yet. What should I check for?

11

@Harlan
Look for any visible wear or damage on parts like control arms or struts. If they look worn, it might be time to replace them.