Shaking and vibrating could be a sign that either your wheels are imbalanced or your suspension or front end needs work. The suspension(struts,shocks,coil springs,etc.) keeps your tires on the road, rather than bouncing up and down. The front end controls steering: when you turn the steering wheel, you turn the main component of the steering system, the rack-and-pinion assembly (or, depending on your car, the steering box), which is in turn connected to the tires. The suspension and front-end systems are closely linked. A loose part in either can cause shaking. Your car (or just the steering wheel) may also shake at high speeds if any of your tires or rims are not rotating straight. Having your wheels balanced will stop the tires from wobbling. Your service technician can tell whether the problem is that simple or something more major, like a shifted belt in the tire(meaning you need a new tire) or a worn-out part that needs replacing. There are other signs of suspension or front-end trouble. Take the car in to your technician if you notice any of the following symptoms: *The vehicle pulls to one side while driving Start simply: first, check your tire pressure. Low, high or uneven tire pressure can cause your vehicle to wander or pull to one side, and the solution is as easy as a trip to the nearest gas station. If the problem persists, one of your tires may have a shifted belt, or an alignment problem in your front end may be wearing out one tire. *Thumping or banging noises when going over bumps Any of your suspension or front-end parts could be loose or broken. The cost depends on the part. *Vehicle wanders or tires squeal while cornering First,check your tire pressure. If that's not the problem, weak or broken coil springs could be the culprit. As well, the idler arm in your steering system might be worn, or again, your alignment may be off. *Steering wheel vibrates on bumpy roads This problem, called bump steering, could indicate that there's a problem with your rack and pinion (commonly found in front-wheel-drive vehicles). Your rack-and-pinion mounting bushings are probably weak,cracked or loose, and therefore not able to hold the rack securely. The vibration can also be caused by weak or broken shocks or struts. *Squeaks or groans while turning These noises can be caused by worn ball joints or strut plates. If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, you should also check the condition of the CV joints. CV (or constant velocity) joints allow you to turn the wheel sharply to the left or right. If they are worn, you may hear clicking noises when turning, or feel a clunking or vibration when accelerating. Remember,suspension and front-end parts have manufacturers' specifications of how much wear is allowed. A certain amount of play or movement because of wear and tear is all right. If the part is worn beyond that, have it repaired or replaced as soon as you can. Otherwise, even if you're able to drive the car for now, it will cause premature wear of other parts and create a safety hazard.