Loud vibration
When stopped at a red light or stop sign, my car makes a loud vibrating noise. Sounds like it's coming from the dash but if I turn the steering wheel slightly left or right, it stops. It only does this in drive when sitting. What could this be?
My car has 113000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Weak, worn, or broken engine mounts can cause a vibration such as you’ve described to occur. These mounts secure the engine to the body, cradle, and frame, but also provide a dampening from the engine vibrations. What you’re feeling is that vibration as it resonates through the engine compartment. A visual inspection of all the engine and transmission mounts may produce which mount(s) may need to be replaced. YourMechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a car has a vibration inspection and a motor mount replacement if necessary.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The most prevalent cause of vibration is problems with your wheels or tires. The potential problems include improper wheel and tire balance, uneven tire wear, separated tire tread, out of round tires, damaged wheels and even loose lug nuts.
Any unusual shaking or vibrating forces coming from the engine is cause for concern. It could be something as simple as old spark plugs producing an uneven power delivery, it could be something serious like worn or broken engine mounts, or it could be even more serious in the case of internal engine damage.
Engine problems typically mean it isn`t getting enough fuel, air or it isn`t properly charging. If the issue is at startup, you might check your spark plugs, air filters or suspect the starter is going. If your vehicle doesn`t seem to have enough juice, your battery or alternator may be on the fritz.
The most likely reasons your Nissan Altima is shaking are a malfunctioning engine component or damaged axles. is shaking or vibrating when you`re driving. This is often it`s an indication that your spark plugs are worn out or too old.
Typically it`s from a damaged inner CV joint. These are located on the end of each axle. They both have an inner and outer joint that could be damaged and shake when you press the gas pedal. Another cause could be a broken motor mount.
Installing new spark plugs is the best way to resolve such vibration related issues. The timing belt ensures the accurate functioning of many critical components of the engine. Any issues with the timing belt can cause your car`s engine to vibrate.
Problem Description
This rattling noise should not be taken lightly as it warns of upcoming timing chain failure. The cause of the noise is faulty timing chain guide rails and timing chain tensioners that wear out well ahead of schedule. These components are there to keep the timing chain tight and properly positioned.
Some simple warning signs that the transmission is having problems: Transmission is slow to respond when shifting. Grinding, shaking, vibrating.
Low automatic transmission fluid can cause shaking. If the shaking is accompanied by the check engine light, it`s time to visit a mechanic. Drivers of manual cars might discover their clutch master cylinder is the source of the shaking.
When the belt contacts a pulley in a pushing belt-type CVT, vibration is generated by frictional force due to rubbing between the individual elements that are components of the belt, which is said to increase wear and noise.
This is a common symptom of a plug or wire electrical current problem. Air or Vacuum Hose – Another common cause for engine vibration and power loss is when air or vacuum hoses come loose, begin to leak, or rupture. The three necessities for all combustion engines are air, fuel, and spark.
The most common reasons for your car to excessively vibrate are a problem with your tyres, wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, axle or engine.
If the caliper or caliper pistons become stuck, it is unable to properly squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, which may cause you to feel some vibrations when you hit the brakes.
Sometimes the loud engine sounds you hear aren`t due to the engine having a problem at all. Instead, it could be caused by a damaged or failing muffler. If it just seems like your car is running louder than it used to, but there aren`t other strange sounds, it might be due to a damaged muffler.
When the inner CV joint is damaged or begins to fail, you will notice your car vibrating under hard acceleration. As it gets worse, the minor vibrations turn to violent shaking when under load. Damaged CV joints usually occur because of a tear in the joint boot.
Sometimes the loud engine sounds you hear aren`t due to the engine having a problem at all. Instead, it could be caused by a damaged or failing muffler. If it just seems like your car is running louder than it used to, but there aren`t other strange sounds, it might be due to a damaged muffler.
Installing new spark plugs is the best way to resolve such vibration related issues. The timing belt ensures the accurate functioning of many critical components of the engine. Any issues with the timing belt can cause your car`s engine to vibrate.
If you begin to feel persistent shaking in your car, it`s best that you get to the problem right away before continuing to drive. Continuing to drive with the shaking can result in further damaging parts, ruining your tires, and other costly problems that could be avoided by a quick trip to your mechanic.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Loud noise from engine plus vibrations & shaking
ANSWER : Hello. The excessive vibration may be due to a faulty motor or transmission mount. The vibration likely can be coming from the braking system as well. Warped rotors commonly cause such vibrations when stopping.
The loud noise coming from the engine could be due to a leaking exhaust header causing the engine to sound much louder than normal. Especially being that the noise gets louder as you increase speed makes me more skeptical of a leaking exhaust. I suggest having a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, examine the components listed to determine the cause of the noise from the engine and shaking and vibration issue.
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My car started idleing rough, vibrations soon as start car, vibrations soon as I accelerate, vibrations, rough idle bad
ANSWER : This sound like you may be having an engine misfire. Have the system checked and scanned to see if codes are present for an engine misfire. If it is, then a mechanic can check to see if a coil or spark plug has failed. You may have oil leaks in the valve cover seals that has caused the ignition to short out in the spark plug holes. A repair of your valve cover gaskets may be necessary, along with the other components that I’ve mentioned. I’d recommend having the vehicle looked at by a qualified technician who will be able to diagnose these misfiring symptoms and fix it accordingly.
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severe steering wheel vibration at speeds above 60 mph, but not below 60, and severe vibration during braking.
ANSWER : If you can wiggle the tire side to side then you either have a problem with inner or outer tie rod ends. You may have both of them that are bad. This will allow the side-to-side movement, but brake rotors that are warped is the fault that may be responsible for the wobbling. You should have the tie rod inner and outer joints checked and replaced. Also check the rack and pinion bushings to make sure they are properly in place. If you need help with any of this, a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect your vehicle’s vibration issue.
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When I press the accelerator, there is a loud vibration coming from my engine which I can feel throughout the car.
ANSWER : This may be a sign of a clogged catalytic converter. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When the catalytic converter is clogged, this causes these gases to be backed up into the exhaust system not allowing the engine to breathe properly. When this happens, the engine is forced to work much harder to expel these gases. This often results in the engine bogging down, hesitating, shaking and causing very poor fuel economy. This should also cause a check engine light to come on as the O2 sensors should be reading the incorrect amounts of oxygen in the exhaust gases if this is your problem. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and replace your catalytic converter.
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02 trailblazer vibrates when accelerating
ANSWER : Hi there. The problem with most shaking and vibration issues is that one damaged component like broken motor mounts can mask other parts that may be damaged. A cracked exhaust manifold is one of those that can cause the vibration and noises you’re hearing on your Trailblazer. Before you decide to take your vehicle to the dealership, it might be a good idea to have a local professional mechanic complete a vehicle is making noise inspection; to determine if other components might be damaged as well.
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Engine vibrates alot…….whole car vibrates
ANSWER : Hi there. This is a mount problem. It is very common for the engine mounts to fail on a Mazda Premacy and still visually look good. I always remove them to physically check them for damage and wear. It can also be a harmonic balancer issue as I have seen these start to come loose and cause this. If you want to have this repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the shaking you’re experiencing.
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I have an engine vibration that starts when I am in idle.
ANSWER : The engine vibration will need to be checked to see if it is worse in drive than it is in reverse. If the vibration is less apparent in reverse, then the motor mounts will need to be neutralized to center the motor mounts. If the vibration is even when the engine is in neutral, then the engine crankshaft damper is bad and causing the engine vibration. I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, check to see if the motor mounts or the engine damper is at fault. They will be able to diagnose your engine vibration and ensure that the correct repairs are made on your vehicle.
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Car vibrating & making alot of noise while driving. 1996 Toyota Corolla
ANSWER : Hi there – I think you have unrepaired damaged still. The vibration you feel through the steering wheel is an out-of-balance tire, bent wheel, or tire that is separating. It is also possible the vibration/noise is coming from the passenger-side axle/CV joint which was not replaced. The noise could be the passenger-side wheel bearing assembly, or possibly worn bearings in the final drive in the transmission. I would recommend a thorough inspection of the front suspension and drivetrain](https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-shaking-or-vibrating-inspection) by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
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