Top Popular Causes Of Car Engine Vibration

Car engine vibration could be the result of a number of problems. Though it is assumed that the vibration originated from the engine, axles in reality might be the real cause. If you are driving a used car, the problem probably occurs more frequently, and here is the time to know more about its common causes and find out solutions. Here we discuss in detail  causes of engine vibration. Read them carefully to see if you are experiencing one of the symptoms that is causing car engine vibration.

Popular Causes Of Car Engine Vibration

1. The crankshaft damper

causes of engine vibration
Some engine problems may cause your car vibration. (Photo: pinterest.com)

If you feel the engine shaking, the crankshaft damper can be a factor to consider when diagnosing engine vibration causes. Indeed, the main duty of this component is to decrease vibration. In diesel engines, its use is more extensive. If there is a chance that it is defected or has stopped working for good, your engine will shake even harder. You should contact a mechanic whenever you face this problem.

2. Faulty engine mount

Faulty engine amount
Faulty engine amount is another cause of engine vibration (Photo: pinterest.com)

This is another cause of engine vibration. This component keeps the engine attached to the chassis. Besides, it also reduces the vibration of a running engine. This part doesn’t just get damaged. Reckless driving can be the reason behind it. Similarly, you should see a mechanic to mend your car.

3. Spark plug issues

spark plus issues
The spark plug might be damaged and need to be removed (Photo: pinterest.com)

If there is a problem with your vehicle’s spark plugs, the engine will vibrate more than usual. Spark plug removal can be done at home if you have all the tools and knowledge to accomplish the task.

4. Extreme weather

engine vibration
Car shaking in cold weather is very common (Photo: pinterest.com)

In frosty weather, the engine vibrates more than is normal. No extra measures need to be taken if this problem solves on its own when the car is being driven in normal weather. In cold weather, the engine cannot run at its optimum level, so vibration increases.

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5. Car axle

Car Axle
Car Axle should be the reason which the vibration comes from.

Oftentimes it seems like the engine shaking problem is rooted in the engine itself, whereas in reality, it is the axles that need to be taken care of. When your car is in a collision, the axles can be damaged, even when there is no apparent sign of damage. So, you should get a mechanic involved if you are experiencing increased vibration, right after a collision.

6. Wheel problems

One of the most severe engine vibration causes is related to the wheel. A misaligned wheel or worn-out wheel bearings might be the problem if you feel like the vibration is coming directly through the steering wheel. Another cause might be the warped ball joints that cause annoying vibration at driving speeds.

7. Tire Problems

It’s the most common of all the reasons as almost 80% of car vibrations are related to tires. Such vibrations can be fixed through tire balance, tire rotation, or tire replacement.

8. Brake problems

If the vibration appears at the time of pushing the brake, your car may have a problem with broken or worn-out brake rotors. Heavy wear and tear can cause the brake rotors to get warped, making it impossible for brake pads and calipers to grip them during the time of applying the brake.

These are some of the common engine vibration problems that might be plaguing your driving experience, it’d better to be look out for one of these causes of car engine vibration and find out what’s the exact reason. Another great suggestion for you to avoid this problem is to choose a great car with fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordable price from our quality used cars list.

How To Fix Car Engine Vibration

To solve this problem easier, check the video to see how they fix the engine vibration

Low-level transmission fluid, tire issues, or brakes error can all cause car engine shaking. But here we will talk about the cylinder, which is usually the main reason causing vibration to your engine. Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1: Spot the problem source

engine vibration
These is the key tips for all car owners (Photo: pinterest.com)

In order to fix any problem, you need to find its source, and it is the same as a cylinder misfire. The easiest way for drivers is to check the diagnostic trouble codes. The checking can help you determine whether your cylinders have one, multiple, or no misfire at all. OBD-II scanner is a useful tool for this task which can be sold at any car parts store. Easy as it sounds, this first step will save you a lot of time and effort, rather than chasing a dead-end solution.

It is best if you find your cylinders having no problem at all. However, if they really did have misfires, the reasons usually come from one of four systems: control sensors, fuel supply, air supply, or the computer. Drivers can check the amount of air, fuel, or the failure in ignition.

Step 2: Analyze the problem

engine vibration
Analyzing which type of problem you have is very important (Photo: pinterest.com)

Understanding the problem from the beginning can be really helpful in this step since different problems have different ways to solve: If you get a single-cylinder misfire, it is often caused by a failure in the engine. However, random multiple misfires from the cylinder can usually be caused by outside sources, rather than by the engine itself.  Last but not least, mechanical failure and unbalanced rotating assembly cause no misfire code.

Single-cylinder misfires

The culprits for this problem are usually fuel injector problems or failures in the ignition. The tip for drivers here is to check spark plugs, ignition coils, and plug wires. If the cylinder’s coil is broken, it is quite easy to determine and repair. However, many engines use one coil to power two cylinders, so if that single coil has any problem, both cylinders mostly die as well.

Also, if you get a lean condition notification diagnostic code, you are most likely to have a failed fuel injector.

Random multiple misfires

Many drivers are not knowing this, but problems that affect the engine entirely like this one usually result from the “engine support” systems like air intake, fuel supply, or electronics systems. A dirty airflow sensor, sensor failure, and vacuum leaking air can be potential culprits. Of course, air restrictions in the intake can cause vibrations for your automobile, as well.

Mechanical failures

Problems with the camshaft, damaged head gasket, and broken piston ring,… are mechanic problems, and they often make your car shaky through cylinder misfires. If you get no misfire at all, there is a high chance that you have an unbalanced rotating assembly, causing engine shaking. Many engines use balance shafts or harmonic balancers to reduce car engine shaking, so if you have one, check it out, since it might be your source of shaking problems.

Step 3: Replace damaged car parts

engine vibration
Removing the damaged part to delete the vibrating (Photo: pinterest.com)

Understanding the condition of your beloved car, it is time to remove the damaged parts. New drivers are recommended to go to a car repair shop, but if you want to take care of the automobile by yourself, here is the tool list that you might need:

  • Ratchet Wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Engine Pulling A-Frame
  • Mallet
  • Jack

We will now cover the most common problem with car engine shaking: Vacuum leak, which makes idling slower and damages the engine along with gas mileage.

The sign of awareness in this case is the cracks and holes on the vacuum hoses. Open the trunk to locate the vacuum system, and we will find the vacuum hoses right in the middle. Remember to check the hoses carefully to make sure it is the real problem. Then remove the damaged vacuum hose and set it aside for a while.

After the examination, vacuum lines are the next target to remove. The lines are inside the vacuum hose which was taken earlier. In cold temperatures, the vacuum lines can be damaged and shattered, which could create leaks or be broken. The only solution for that is to install the new ones right after this.

Also, remember to wear gloves and eyewear to protect yourself.

Frequent-Asked Questions About Car Engine Vibration

  • Imbalanced Wheels
  • Misaligned Tire
  • Brake Issues
  • Engine Problems