Bob Howard Nissan can help you identify why your vehicle is shaking when you brake.
As a driver, one of the most uneasy feelings is when you notice your car shuddering while you’re driving. Is it a nail in my tire, did a giant pothole ruin my car suspension, or did I break the driveshaft? There are many components that may be the culprit as to why the vehicle is vibrating, and the amount of the potential damage can vary greatly. The most probable cause of the vibrating generally happens near your car’s tires and wheels. The tires and wheels connect the vehicle to the road, and if anything is a bit wonky, will notice. It might be something like a broken transmission mount or a broken control arm. These more severe component failures could leave you with a broken can on the side of the road.
READ MORE: What Is Making The Lights On Your Car Flicker?
If you recently bought new wheels and tires, then your vehicle shaking could be caused by the tires not being balanced correctly. Balancing the tires makes sure the weight of the tires and wheels are evenly distributed for the smoothest drive possible. If you feel the tire shaking while you are driving, it might be an unbalanced tire. If you can confirm that the new tires are balanced, but the car is still shuddering, be sure to check if the lugnuts are completely tightened, and ensure the tire pressure is correct. If you find that your tires are causing the shudder, you should have it checked out immediately.
If the vehicle vibrates when you brake, that’s a pretty strong indicator that you might want to have the brakes looked at. The most likely cause of your steering wheel vibration is worn brake rotors. When a driver presses the brake pedal, pieces of metal called brake pads squeeze the brake rotors to create friction which will then bring your vehicle to a stop. A smooth brake rotor surface provides smooth braking. A warped surface will shake when braking, sort of like how a brick road feels rougher than an asphalt highway. Other possible causes of the shuddering include frozen calipers or damaged suspension components. If you feel your steering wheel wobble, bring it in to get it inspected.
If the car is vibrating before you ever start driving, then you probably have broken parts. The most common reasons for your car shaking in idle are:
A Worn Driveshaft – If not perfectly balanced or damaged, it could cause shudders
CV joints That Have Failed – Working in conjunction with the drive shaft, cv joints get the engine power to the wheels and tires and, if damaged, can be the source of the car shaking in idle.
Engine Mounts That Are Broken – As the name suggests, these components help affix the engine to the car. If they get worn or broken, it can allow the engine to shake.
If you’ve noticed a vibration in your vehicle, then bring it in, and we’ll inspect it for any trouble spots. Our trained techs will find the reason for the shaking and get you back on the road.
Bob Howard Nissan is an ideal place to get Nissan service in the Oklahoma City area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your car or truck to determine if there are any needed repairs and will suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your Altima service online or in person today.
