10 Reasons Why Your Dodge Ram is Shaking & How to Fix it!

“Why is my Dodge Ram shaking?” asked many of our readers, and so here’s the answer!

Many Dodge Ram owners have reported experiencing shaking or vibration at high speeds, which can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue. Why is it happening to your truck?

This issue has several possible causes, including unbalanced or misaligned wheels, tire damage, bent rims, bad wheel bearings, and loose lug nuts. 

In some cases, worn suspension or steering parts, incorrect tire pressure, or a bad axle can also be the cause.

Ignoring this problem can lead to decreased driving performance and increased fuel consumption and can cause damage to other components. 

It can also be dangerous as it can make it difficult to control the vehicle at high speeds, so it is essential to address this issue ASAP to ensure the safety and longevity of your Dodge Ram. 

In this blog, we will cover ten possible reasons why your Dodge Ram is shaking and provide a guide on fixing the issue. Don’t forget to check this guide if your Ram having acceleration problem.

10 most common reasons for Dodge Ram to shake & ways to get around it

1. Unbalanced Wheels

Unbalanced wheels commonly cause shaking in a Dodge Ram at high speeds. When the weight distribution around the wheel is uneven, it can cause vibrations transmitted through the vehicle, leading to a rough ride. 

It is usually caused by one or more tires heavier on one side than the other or by the wheels being out of balance.

The cause of unbalanced wheels can be from a variety of issues, such as worn tires, bent rims, or even unevenly distributed weight within the wheel itself. 

When a wheel is not balanced properly, it can cause the vehicle to pull in one direction or another, making it difficult to control the vehicle.

Solution: balancing of wheels

The solution to unbalanced wheels is to have them balanced. This process involves measuring the weight distribution of each wheel and adding weights to balance out the distribution. 

Balancing the wheels can greatly reduce or even eliminate the shaking and vibrations caused by unbalanced wheels. 

It is important to note that unbalanced wheels can also cause premature wear on suspension and steering components, so it is important to address this issue promptly.

2. Misaligned Wheels

Misaligned wheels are another common culprit of shaking in a vehicle (be it Dodge Ram), and it is important to address this issue promptly to maintain the safety and performance of your ride. 

It occurs when the wheels are not pointing in the correct direction or angle, which can cause uneven wear on the tires and result in vibrations while driving.

The most common signs of misaligned wheels include uneven tire wear, steering that pulls to one side, and a shaking steering wheel.

When a vehicle’s wheels are misaligned, it can cause many problems, such as poor fuel economy, accelerated tire wear, poor handling, and shaking at high speeds. 

Solution: wheel alignment

The solution to fix misaligned wheels is a process called wheel alignment, which involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. 

A mechanic will use special tools to measure and adjust the wheels, ensuring they are properly aligned.

Having your wheels aligned regularly is important, as uneven wear on the tires can also lead to vibrations and shaking while driving.

3. Damaged Tires

It is rather easy to find out if your tire is damaged in most cases. If you see your Dodge shaking with a damaged tire, you have found the culprit. 

The tire becomes damaged for various reasons, including punctures from debris on the road, worn treads from excessive use, or even improper inflation. 

Damaged tires can cause many problems for a Dodge Ram, including an increased risk of accidents, decreased fuel efficiency, and an uncomfortable driving experience.

One of the most significant issues caused by damaged tires is the shaking or vibrations that can be felt while driving at high speeds.

Solution: Replacement of damaged tires

It is crucial to have the damaged tires replaced. This will improve the vehicle’s stability and handling and increase the vehicle’s safety on the road. 

Additionally, it’s recommended to check the tire’s inflation pressure and wheel alignment when changing the tire, as the misalignment can lead to vibrations at higher speeds. You can also checkout our top tire favorites for your Ram trucks here.

4. Bent Rim

A bent rim is rare, but if your driving style is rough, then sure. Shaking due to a bent rim occurs when the metal is deformed or twisted out of shape, usually due to hitting a pothole or curb or getting into an accident. 

When a rim is bent, it can cause the tire to sit at an angle, leading to unbalanced or misaligned wheels. 

It will vibrate and shake while driving, especially at high speeds. 

Solution: Repair or replacement of bent rim

Depending on the bend severity and damage, you will either need to repair or replace the rim. If the rim is severely bent or damaged, it will need to be replaced with a new one. 

It is vital to fix bent rims for safety and to maintain the integrity of the tire and its treads.

5. Bad wheel bearings

A wheel bearing is a component that allows the wheel to spin freely and smoothly on the vehicle’s axles. It’s an essential part of the suspension system responsible for a smooth ride. 

A bad wheel bearing can cause many serious issues, including shaking in a Dodge Ram and damage to the drive axle.

When the wheel bearing is damaged or worn out, it can create a wobbling or shaking sensation in the vehicle. 

It is often felt in the steering wheel and can be particularly noticeable at high speeds. The shaking can also be accompanied by a grinding or humming noise.

Solution: replacement of bad wheel bearings

You will want to replace the bad wheel bearing. A qualified mechanic will diagnose the issue by inspecting the wheel bearing and other related components. 

Once confirmed, they will replace the old bearing with a new one. This process can be time-consuming and requires specialized tools, so it’s important to take your Dodge Ram to a reputable repair shop. 

Regularly inspecting and maintaining your wheel bearings is an important step in preventing this issue. Bad suspension? You will want to upgrade shocks with this top rated shocks for Ram trucks.

6. Loose lug nuts

Lug nuts are the small nuts that hold the wheels of your Dodge Ram to the vehicle. It plays a crucial role in keeping the wheels securely attached and maintaining the stability of your truck while driving. 

However, when these lug nuts become loose, it can cause a significant problem, resulting in a shaking sensation while driving at high speeds. 

This shaking can be caused by the wheel’s movement as the lug nuts are not securely tightened. 

The longer you drive on loose lug nuts, the greater the chance of a tire coming off while driving. This is why it is important to address the issue promptly. 

Solution: tightening of loose lug nuts

The solution to this problem is quite simple: tightening the lug nuts. You can do it yourself using a torque wrench or take it to a mechanic to get it done properly. 

The process is inexpensive and will give you peace of mind while driving.

7. Bad axle

An axle is a vehicle’s suspension system that connects the wheels to the car’s frame. 

Its primary function is to transfer power from the engine to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move. 

A bad axle can cause shaking in a Dodge Ram when driving at high speeds, as it can affect the stability of the wheels and cause them to vibrate. 

Worn or damaged parts within the axle assembly, such as bearings, CV joints, or other internal components, often cause it. 

If this is the case, the shaking will usually become more pronounced at higher speeds and may also be accompanied by strange noises coming from the wheels. 

Solution: replacement of bad axle

The bad truck axle must replace the bad axle with a new one. It is important to have this issue addressed promptly, as a bad axle can not only cause shaking but also can lead to dangerous driving conditions and damage other components in the vehicle’s suspension system at the least.

8. Worn suspension or steering parts

Worn suspension or steering parts could also cause shaking in your truck, especially in older ones. 

Suspension parts such as shocks and struts help to absorb road impacts and provide stability while driving. 

Steering parts, like tie rods and ball joints, help to keep the wheels properly aligned and respond to driver inputs. 

When these parts become worn or damaged, they can no longer perform their functions effectively, resulting in shaking and poor handling.

If a rough ride and excessive bouncing accompany the shaking, it’s likely bad suspension. 

Worn steering parts may cause wandering, difficulty steering in a straight line or uneven tire wear.

Solution: replacement of worn suspension or steering parts

The solution for worn suspension or steering parts is the replacement. A certified mechanic can diagnose the worn parts and recommend replacement. 

Replacing worn parts will help to restore stability, handling and safety while driving. 

It will also prevent further damage to other parts of the vehicle, saving you more costly repairs in the long run.

9. Incorrect tire pressure

As easy as this problem is to fix, Incorrect tire pressure can very well make your driving shaky and unstable. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can cause vibrations while driving at high speeds. 

Proper tire pressure is important because it ensures that the tires maintain contact with the road surface, providing a smooth and stable ride. 

When tire pressure is not at the recommended level, the tires may not be able to grip the road properly and can cause shaking or vibrations. 

It can also lead to uneven wear on the tires, further contributing to the problem. 

Solution: adjustment of tire pressure to the recommended levels

The solution to this issue is regularly checking and adjusting the tire pressure to the recommended levels specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the tire’s sidewall. 

You can easily do it with the help of a tire pressure gauge.

10. Death wobble

The term “death wobble” describes a severe and potentially dangerous shaking that can occur in a Dodge Ram at high speeds. 

This issue is most commonly associated with Dodge Ram trucks from 2004-2008. It is characterized by a violent shaking of the vehicle’s front end, typically triggered by a bump or irregularity in the road surface. 

Death wobble is often rooted in worn suspension components such as control arm bushings and track bar joints. 

Additionally, the vehicle’s alignment can also play a role in death wobble.

Solution: replacement of worn suspension components and adjustment of alignment

Fixing death wobble can sometimes get time-consuming and expensive as well. It requires replacing worn suspension parts and adjusting the alignment of the vehicle. 

You should address this problem as soon as it is noticed, as it can lead to losing vehicle control. 

It’s best to take the truck to a mechanic specializing in suspension and alignment work. You can add a steering stabilizer in some severe cases for better control.

Over to you!

So there you have it. Roughly speaking, there can be many potential causes for a Dodge Ram to shake while driving. 

These include (but are not limited to) unbalanced wheels, misaligned wheels, damaged tires, bent rims, bad wheel bearings, loose lug nuts, bad axles, worn suspension or steering parts, and death wobble. It is best to address the issue promptly to ensure your safety. 

Remember that a shaking vehicle can be dangerous and can lead to accidents. If you are experiencing shaking in your Dodge Ram, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis and repairs. 

Please don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Take action and get it fixed today!