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Sterling McCall Toyota can help you learn why your car or truck is shaking in idle.
One of the most uneasy feelings is when you notice your car shuddering while driving. Is it a tire puncture, did a giant pothole break my car suspension, or do I have a broken driveshaft? There are several components that might be the reason the car is shaking, and the amount of the potential damage can fluctuate greatly. The most likely cause of the shaking usually happens in the vicinity of your rims and tires. They plant your vehicle to the road, and if anything is a bit wonky, will feel it. On a more serious note, it may be something like a broken transmission or a broken control arm. These more major part failures might leave you with a broken can on the side of the road.
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If you got different wheels and tires recently, then your car shaking could be caused by the tires not getting balanced correctly. Tire balancing ensures the tire and wheel weight is. If you feel the tire shuddering while you are driving, it may be a tire that isn’t balanced properly. If the new tires are properly balanced, but the car is still vibrating, make sure the tires are inflated to the proper air pressure, and be sure to check if the lugnuts are fully tightened and make sure the tire pressure is correct. If your tires are causing the shudder, you should have them looked at immediately.
If your car shudders when you brake, that is a pretty strong signal that you should have your brakes checked out. The most likely reason for your steering wheel vibration is warped rotors. When you push down on the brake pedal, pieces of metal called brake pads squeeze the brake rotors to stop your car. If you want smooth braking, you must have a smooth surface. A warped rotor surface will cause shudders when braking, sort of like how a brick road feels bumpier than a highway. Other potential causes of the vibrating include stuck brake calipers and damaged shocks. If you notice your steering wheel wobble, bring it in to get it inspected.
If a vehicle is shuddering before you even start driving, then there’s a good chance that you have some broken parts. The most common reasons for a car shaking at idle are:
The Driveshaft has Failed – If not perfectly balanced or damaged, it might be the source of the shudders
Failed CV joints – Working in conjunction with the drive shaft, cv joints get the power from the engine to the wheels and tires and, if damaged, can be the source of your car shaking in idle.
Failed Engine Mounts – As the name suggests, these parts help mount the engine to the car. If they are broken or just worn, it can let your engine move around under the hood.
If you have noticed a shudder in your vehicle, then bring it in, and we’ll thoroughly inspect it and diagnose the problem. Our trained technicians will find the reason for the shaking and get you back on the road.
Sterling McCall Toyota is one of the most trusted places to get vehicle service in the En area. We proudly service all makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs. One of our factory-trained experts will inspect your vehicle to determine if there are any necessary repairs and will suggest the best solution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your Tacoma service online or in person today.
