So my front end shakes at highway speeds (above 60mph) I asked a few buddies but they say it's alignment.

The car has been aligned at 2 separate shops.

Then I thought it could be the tie rods going bad.

But after a trip to autozone, one of the guys there told me it's probably my lower ball joint.

So I ask, could the shaking be caused by a worn out or broken ball joint, if so is there any way to check it myself? wiggle tire/visual inspection/random test?

Thanks in advance

 

Wheels out of balance are the most common cause for shaking at highway speeds (above 60mph).

 

Well, I also have a pretty good pull on the passengers side front wheel when under throttle and that goes away when the car is coasting.

That is why I mention the alignment work, and others have suggested things like bad wheel bearing, tie rods or even a control arm.

The car is sitting on aftermarket wheels that have recently (within 2-3 months) been mounted and balanced and I have no idea how good of a job was done.

 

It's not uncommon for shops to goof up wheel balancing. I'd have them rechecked.

Bad wheel alignment should cause the steering to pull even when coasting. Are the axles in bad shape?

A bad wheel wheel bearing usually groans or growls and the wheel has excess free play.

Have you checked the tie rods for excess free play and inspected the ball joints?

 

Axles look good, there is a small tear on the c/v boot but on the drivers side and the car is pulling towards the passengers side.

 

A bad axle might contribute to the problem, so replace the one with a torn boot. Also try the other things I mentioned.

 

Has the car ever been in an accident? Bent knuckle or control arm can cause this.

Warped rotors also cause vibration.

Jack the car up and pull on the tire at 12 and 6, and 3 and 9 (like a clock). There should be no play either way. This checks your tie rods and lower ball joint.

 

It apparently has been in an accident, due to an non-oem fender, but that is on the drivers side.

The rotors and pads were changed by me the day after purchasing the vehicle.

I wish I wasn't locked in a cubicle right now to try all these suggestions, thank you and Ron as well.

 

Does the steering also pull to one side while braking?

 

Just from the first sentence, tighten your axle nuts!!! I had the same problem and the axle nut on one side wasn't as tight as it could get. Tightened it down and the vibration went away.