Vehicle Vibrations

Vehicle vibrations can be a scary thing. You are driving down the road and suddenly the steering wheel starts to tremble, your seat starts to shake, or your feet feel like they are one of those massager machines at the amusement park. Vehicle vibrations are caused my many things. By knowing where you feel the vibration may help with an accurate diagnosis.

Rumbling in the steering wheel is a common vehicle vibration. Going faster or slower may cause the vibration to increase or decrease. There are a few problems that could e causing this vehicle vibration. The wheels being out of balance will give you a vibration in the steering wheel. You could have a tire with a broken belt or a bent rim. A number of things could cause these vibration problems, the most common is hitting a pothole or curb.

A trembling vibration when you hit the brakes is a sign that you may need your rotors turned or new ones installed. This vehicle vibration is caused when rotors warp. Rotors warp from rapid heating then cooling such as slamming on your brakes. Rotors can usually be turned once but will then need to be replaced. A long period of time sitting causing rotors to rust brake pads needing replaced are other common problems that will ruin your rotors and cause slight vehicle vibrations.

The vibrations in your vehicle could be caused by something my serious and should be checked over by your mechanic. There could be broken suspension parts, u-joints, or wheel bearings; the possibilities are endless. However, other warning signs such as rattling, howling noises, or a clunking and clicking noise generally accompanies other vehicle vibration problems.

A common misconception of vehicle vibrations is that you need an alignment. Vibrations are rarely if ever caused by a vehicle being out of alignment. Vehicle vibrations can be caused by other problems that lead to your vehicle being out of alignment, but the vibrations will not be caused by alignment issues. Although wheels that are not properly balanced, bent rims, tires within broken a broken belt, or pulsating brake rotors are the most common cause for vehicle vibrations there could be other problems. Loose lug nuts can caused a vibration but generally, it is more of a wobbling feeling in the vehicle.

This article is just to give you some idea of what may be causing your vehicle vibrations. It should not be used to self diagnose an on going problem unless you have automotive experience.