What if my car shakes and it’s not the tires what else can cause the shaking?
When I'm driving my car and it gets up to about 20mph it starts to shake kind of a lot, up until I hit about 60mph which it still shakes a little bit. I just bought the car new tires had them balanced and aligned, so I doubt its the tires
My car has 185000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If the tire/wheel balancing and run-out (side to side motion) have been checked and ruled out, the fault may be suspension or driveline related. Worn inner c/v joints for example, can cause a vibration while accelerating either from a stop or at speed whenever they are under a load. Broken or worn engine and transmission mounts can also be a cause. The mounts are designed to keep driveline movement to a minimum as well as isolate the passenger compartment from vibration. If the mounts are weak or broken, the engine and transmission can be moving around more that designed and cause vibrations as well as stress on other components like wiring and hoses. Engine misfires can also cause a vibration. A certified technician can inspect the vibrations and isolate the exact cause.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
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.
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.
Hello, Generally, shaking during acceleration relates to an issue of low transmission fluid or transmission fluid that needs to be changed. Every time a gear change is required, the car`s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear.
A loose or disconnected air hose or vacuum hose can cause quite a bit of violent shaking and vibration in your car`s engine. To correct the problem, simply look for any loose or disconnected hoses and reattach them and replace them as needed.
The most common reasons for your car to excessively vibrate are a problem with your tyres, wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, axle or engine.
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.
Improperly functioning spark plugs cause an uneven burn of fuel in the engine, resulting in fluctuating RPMs and a louder noise. You might also experience increased vibrations of your vehicle while sitting idle or while traveling at low speeds. These vibrations originate from the engine and can shake the entire car.
There are a few parts within a vehicle`s engine that could cause a car to shake if they malfunction. These include the spark plugs and engine air filter. Check the spark plugs and their connections. As a general rule, spark plugs last for about 80,000-100,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Vibration While Driving. Because the CV Axle joints are located right next to the vehicle`s wheels, any damage to them can directly affect your driving. If you suddenly feel as though your vehicle is vibrating more than normal, it can mean that you have a damaged halfshaft.
Worn or dirty spark plugs can cause a petrol car`s engine to misfire in one or more cylinders, which can cause vibrations when the car is idling or at running speeds. The easiest solution is to replace your spark plugs and check the related wiring. Engine vibrations can also be due to the air and fuel systems.
That sounds like an issue with the motor mounts and transmission mounts. Also, this may be related to the transmission itself. The issue with the transmission is a pressure control issue, and the valve body may be leaking. The noise is extremely similar to running over the rumble strips on the side of the highway.
Dirty fuel injectors are among the most common reasons for why an accelerator becomes jerky. The dirty injector leads to your car losing power when you attempt to accelerate while at a stop and when you try to drive at a consistent speed. This is the result of an engine misfire.
That sounds like an issue with the motor mounts and transmission mounts. Also, this may be related to the transmission itself. The issue with the transmission is a pressure control issue, and the valve body may be leaking. The noise is extremely similar to running over the rumble strips on the side of the highway.
A worn out or faulty spark plug is a leading cause why your car engine vibrates or shakes uncontrollably. A worn out spark plug can prevent the fuel-air mixture to not get properly ignited in the cylinders, thus leading to misfiring.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
What if my car shakes and it’s not the tires what else can cause the shaking?
ANSWER : If the tire/wheel balancing and run-out (side to side motion) have been checked and ruled out, the fault may be suspension or driveline related. Worn inner c/v joints for example, can cause a vibration while accelerating either from a stop or at speed whenever they are under a load. Broken or worn engine and transmission mounts can also be a cause. The mounts are designed to keep driveline movement to a minimum as well as isolate the passenger compartment from vibration. If the mounts are weak or broken, the engine and transmission can be moving around more that designed and cause vibrations as well as stress on other components like wiring and hoses. Engine misfires can also cause a vibration. A certified technician can inspect the vibrations and isolate the exact cause.
Will putting a different tire size cause my car to shake or my tires to wear out quick and uneven?
ANSWER : Hi there. The engineers that design vehicles do so by making sure each part is precisely sized to match others – so the vehicle operates safe and efficiently. This includes the wheel and tire overall width and circumference. What you’re describing is known as the plus (+1) tire / wheel method. However, in your case, it’s in reverse. Usually the manufacturer will permit the vehicle owner to increase the wheel size (to go from a 16" wheel to 17" wheel), but reduce the aspect ratio by one size (from 65 to 55). This usually equates in having an overall circumference that is within recommended specs. However, since you’ve gone down (-1) tire / wheel size. It could cause premature wear and tear, eventual suspension damage, but also damage to the brake calipers. By decreasing the wheel size, the likelihood of your wheels clipping the brakes while turning has increased from the 16 wheel option. As with any aftermarket "upgrade" – always check with your vehicle manufacturer and follow their recommendations.
Advice for winter tires
ANSWER : 205/55R17 may be too tall for your vehicle. A couple of good sources to check size compatibility for your vehicle would be tirerack.com or maybe discounttire.com. Sites like Tire Rack specialize in winter tire packages and is a good source for fitment options. I have personally used Bridgestone and Dunlop snow tires and would recommend either. However, it is highly recommended that winter tires be mounted at all 4 corners. Having different tires with different capabilities not only makes the vehicle unstable, it will effect systems like the anti-lock brakes and traction control. Winter tires perform much better than summer or all-season tires do in ice and snow conditions. Having two tires with good winter traction and two with poor traction will have the anti-lock brake system working overtime. Also, sticking with a smaller tire for winter use is advisable. For ice and snow driving, you want the opposite for summer driving. Wide, low profile tires improve warm, dry weather driving. Tall, narrow, tires provide better control on snow and ice. Consider keeping your stock 16 inch wheels for winter use with winter tires mounted on them and maybe a nice set of 17 inch wheels and tires for summer use. I’ve done that with nearly every vehicle I’ve owned whether front, rear, or all-wheel drive.
Car pulls to the right after tire rotation
ANSWER : Hello. On your 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320, all of the tires have to have the same tread design an the same amount of tread. Any variations will cause the computer to not read the sensors correctly which will cause these issues. You need to purchase two more tires that are the same as the new ones, and install the tires to replace the other two tires. If you want to have this looked at before replacing the tires, a local expert from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose your car’s pulling issue.
Shuddering shaking from take off through 1st and 2nd gear. What can cause this? I just bought the car and I’m scared I was ripped.
ANSWER : This is often a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car’s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear. When this is faulty or not working properly, this can cause a delay in gear shifting or in some cases cause the car to not shift at all. This type of problem is amplified any time the transmission is low on fluid creating a drop in hydraulic pressure. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
After a radiator change, My car is shaking and emitting black smoke. What could be the cause? 2000 Volvo S80
ANSWER : Hello, your symptoms suggest a coolant temperature sensor failure, or wiring problem (cut wires or other "open circuit" issues). Changing the radiator may have caused the sensor to be bumped, or the wiring for this sensor to be damaged. An open circuit for this sensor would send engine management a signal for "very cold conditions", requesting a rich fuel mixture – resulting in rough idle, and black smoke from unburned fuel. I would suggest a engine sensor 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.
car shakes hard when going 60 already replace all tires not sure if its a ball joint or tire rod or something making it do that
ANSWER : Firstly, it’s important for me to know the model of vehicle and engine size in order for me to help you better. From what you’ve described, the problem sounds like it is in the drive train, like an axle joint or driveshaft. I suggest having a complete suspension and drive train inspection. Also, make sure you check the charging system after replacing the battery to ensure that it is not overcharging. If you decide to get this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can help you repair your vehicle by performing these checks and diagnose the shaking you’re experiencing.
car shakes when idle and accelerating
ANSWER : It is very possible that you have a valve cover gasket or spark plug tube seal leak on your vehicle. These type of leaks will allow oil to leak onto the spark plugs causing misfires. When the engine misfires due to oil getting on the spark plug, the engine oil will burn. Since oil and tires are both petroleum products, they will both smell similar when they are burning. I would recommend having an oil leak inspection performed by a qualified professional to determine if there is an oil leak. Consider YourMechanic as an Oil/Fluid leak inspection can be peformed at your home or office.
