As an observant driver who knows their car, it is easy for you to note if the car vibrates when accelerating. Undertaking regular car service will help to prevent some of the reasons for the vehicle vibrations.
But note that this shaking needs to be resolved and the solution won’t be cheap. Further, if you ignore the problem, it could cause damage to other parts.
Remember that there are different occasions during which the vehicle shakes. For example, when taking off from a stop, during idle time, when you’re driving or during braking. Paying attention to these occasions could narrow down the causes of vibrations.
Reasons why the car vibrates when accelerating.
Your vehicle wasn’t made with a vibrating set-up, therefore, take immediate action if you notice a developing vibration. There is a need to understand that there are certain common parts that are associated with these vehicle shakes.
a]. Unbalanced wheels and tires.
The OEM installed tires are usually balanced from the factory. But these wear out and eventually need to be replaced. Therefore, if you have recently installed new tires, it is advisable for the service to be accompanied by tire balancing. Otherwise the vehicle will start vibrating when accelerating.
Wheel balance is different from alignment. Balancing is the equal distribution of weight around the tire assembly and its done using a balancing machine. The machine checks where the weight is unevenly distributed and the technician corrects the error.
Alternatively, wheel alignment involves ensuring they are parallel to each other. Further, alignment ensures that all the tires are in contact with the road at the same angle. When the cause of the car vibration is unbalanced tires, you will notice that it worsens during high speeds.
Once the wheel balance and alignment is done, ensure that the tire pressure is done at the right PSI. This will prevent the occurrence of tire bulges and shaking.
b]. Stuck brake caliper.
The vehicle brake system is made up of different parts whose function is to slow down and stop. There are two types of brakes; disc brakes and drum brakes. The brake caliper presses against the drum or disc to slow down or stop.
Undertaking brake caliper service will ensure that the caliper pins and other components function properly. There are several reasons for a stuck brake caliper that cause vibrations to worsen as you keep accelerating at 40 mph to 60 mph.
The vibrations will be felt on the steering wheel and when you stop the vehicle, there will be an odd smell. Once you observe this in your vehicle, an assessment of the entire brake system needs to be done. In fact, each wheel’s brakes should be looked into. The solution is to replace the defiled parts.
c]. Bent axels.
This is a major cause of the car vibrating when accelerating. The axle is part of the vehicle that connects the wheels and allows their free rotation.
Vehicles have two axles, front and rear axle. The front axel connects to the steering system and it is responsible for changing directions and power transfer to the front wheels. The rear axle transfers power to the rear wheels.
A bent axel results from a minor accident or hitting an obstacle at a high speed and force. If you wait for a longer time before performing necessary repairs, it will lead to major problems.
d]. Damaged inner CV joint.
If your car vibrates when accelerating after a stop, a damaged inner CV joint could be the cause. CV joints are part of the drive shaft that connect to the wheels.
Their responsibility is to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The CV joints allow the rotation of the drive shaft. Further, they allow the movement of the suspension system parts like shock absorbers in relation to road terrain.
CV joints wear out over their lifespan and they may cause the vehicle to shake, produce noises during turns and cause a power supply cut to the wheels.
e]. Bent drive shaft.
Vehicle drive shaft is the part that transmits power to the wheels from the engine. The set-up varies depending on whether the vehicle is an all wheel or rear wheel drive.
Whereby the drive shaft connects the differential input shaft to the transmission output shaft in rear wheel drive vehicles. Alternatively, it connects to the front differential in all wheel drive vehicles.
A damaged drive shaft causes vibrations immediately you start accelerating from a stop. Even at low speeds, the car will be vibrating and this becomes worse as the speed increases.
But this is a rare cause of car vibrating when accelerating because damage occurs in the occasion of an accident.
f]. Broken motor mounts.
Damaged motor mounts are the main cause of vigorous vibrations during vehicle idling. They are also known as transmission mounts, engine or motor mounts.
Therefore, their function is to secure the transmission and engine onto the vehicle’s body frame. Additionally, their function is to absorb the engine and transmission vibrations in order to prevent occupants from feeling these vibrations.
Incase of damage to these mounts, the engine will sit at an odd angle. Hence causing damage to other parts of the engine as well as increasing the intensity of vibrations.
g]. Loose lug nuts.
Lug nuts secure the wheels in place on the hub hence preventing them from having a wobble or coming off. They are a vehicle safety component and their design withstands force generated during acceleration, turning and braking.
If the lug nuts become loose, the wheels will wobble and this will become worse over time. Therefore causing the vehicle to vibrate when accelerating. Ensure that lug nuts on each wheel are properly tightened using a lug wrench.
Further, to avoid lug nut trouble, ensure that you are using the correct size. Conduct regular checks to ensure that the lug nuts are not loose by tightening them before traveling.
h]. Spark plugs.
The car battery supplies electric current to the spark plug in order to start the engine. But its function doesn’t end there.
It receives electric current from the ignition system when the engine is running in order to provide a higher voltage spark in the combustion cylinder. This high voltage spark burns fuel from the fuel injector which mixes with air to produce power.
Faulty spark plugs will cause engine misfire when the car is idle. The misfires translate into vibrations when you’re driving. Perform inspection by removing the spark plugs and observe their appearance. Incase they are dark at the tip, it’s time for a replacement.
Tips for preventing car vibration issues in the future
- Get a professional to check your vehicle any time you notice that there are vibrations.
- Ensure you install high quality parts when you’re replacing vehicle components in order to avoid untimely wear and tear.
- Perform regular car maintenance practices to ensure that everything is running as it should.
- Regular wheel alignment and balancing.
- Avoid extreme acceleration all of a sudden and apply smooth braking practices.
- Proper tire pressure inflation according to the recommendations on the owner’s manual.