Causes of a car vibration at rest and while driving

The feeling of vibration in the car is not pleasant. This not only reduces driving comfort, but also indicates errors that need to be corrected. There are many reasons why vibrations appear, and it’s hard to say right away what causes them.

However, in the case of vibrations that have occurred during a jam, the mechanic will find it easier to pinpoint what is faulty.

There are many causes for car vibration. We can feel both while driving and at rest. What causes vibration in a car?

Vibration in the car when stationary

Diagnosing the cause of the car vibration that occurs when stuck is not difficult for a mechanic. Usually, the discomfort is caused by loose elements, e.g. exhaust system. Another problem may be engine wear or transmission bearings.

So what causes vibration in the car? Vibration on the steering wheel can be caused by damage to the steering wheel. Especially if it is attached to the engine sled, not to the bulkhead. Vibration can also be caused by damage to engine components such as the crankshaft, balance shaft, and double-mass wheels.

In the case of a double mass, it is easy to recognize a failure, because at idle the vibration should be greater. Such damage is accompanied by a knock when accelerating. The cause of vibration on the steering wheel can also be wear due to the hydraulic power steering. The liquid level may be too low or the pump may be faulty.

In diesel cars, vibration can be caused by faulty injectors. Their defects cause uneven engine operation and vibrations are transferred to the steering system. In the long term, further damage to the element responsible for vibration damping occurs.

However, in the case of gasoline-powered vehicles, the stepper motor, which is responsible for maintaining an appropriate level of idle speed, can be damaged. Then we see bumpy spins, engine dimming and vibrations.

Car vibration while driving

Diagnosing the cause of the car vibration that occurs while driving is also more difficult in service. During the test drive, the mechanic can only guess what the cause of the vibration is and after arriving at the workshop, he has to start inspecting all areas of the vehicle. However, if the vibration stops, the mechanic can immediately start checking for suspicious parts. In addition, it checks them when vibration occurs, which further facilitates the work.

The wheels are most often responsible for the occurrence of vibrations while driving. They can be perfectly balanced and then the vibrations will be felt in the steering wheel and throughout the car. Continuous driving with unbalanced wheels shortens tire life, which can also produce vibration.

Tire condition is very important, so it is necessary to pay attention to tire cleanliness and proper tire pressure. Cracks and bumps can appear on the tires, causing them to vibrate. In turn, poorly inflated tires also produce obvious vibrations. Information on recommended tire pressures can be found in the owner’s manual, on a sticker on the door pillar, on the fuel filler cap or on the spare wheel nameplate.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the condition of the rim, because if it is bent it can also cause vibration. The cause of the vibration while driving may be due to the improper installation of the wheels which do not rest on the hub flange and depend on the mounting bolts. The same is true when the wheel is too loose or the bolt is loose.

Move away from the wheels – the cause of the vibration while driving may play in the suspension and steering system. One of the most common problems is playing on the steering gear, which can be felt when standing still, and there will be vibrations while driving – especially at the steering wheel.

Playing in the driveshaft joint can also cause vibration. With external joints, vibration occurs when turning and at low speeds. In contrast, the inner joint produces vibrations at higher speeds and rumbling may occur.

Wearing shock absorbers may be responsible for the vibration. Vibration will be felt especially during sudden acceleration on rough roads. The shock absorbers then fail to dampen the vibrations and transmit them primarily to the steering wheel.

Vibration during acceleration can be caused by worn engine bearings. In such situations, the vibration generated by the engine is not suppressed at all, which makes it felt throughout the car.

Car Vibration When Braking

Car vibration may also occur during light and moderate braking. This means that the brake disc is bent. If the front disc is bent, the vibration can be felt on the steering wheel, and in the case of the rear disc – throughout the body.

Sometimes vibration is felt on the brake pedal. The same is true in the case of cars with drum brakes, which may wear unevenly and then also produce vibrations.

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