6 Common causes of car shake when driving slow

Basically, a car that uses an engine with an internal combustion system necessity vibrates as long as it runs. Especially when the car is driving, both at idle (low rpm) or during acceleration and high speed (high rpm). Low rpm refers to low engine speed ranging from idling rpm (around 750-800 rpm) to at least 1500 rpm.

However, the resulting vibrations generally do not spread to the car body because several components are specifically used to dampen these vibrations. Over time and age of use, these components are also no longer optimal to reduce the vibration.

This is also coupled with the condition of other important components that have also begun to break down, causing the vibrations that occur to get worse until they are felt in the body and into the car cabin.

The driver will feel the vibrations and make the driving experience uncomfortable and very annoying. The effect that is generally felt is that the car's body encounters a large enough vibration that it can be heard and felt up to the steering wheel. This vibration usually occurs in some driving situations. Here are some reasons why a car vibrates when driving slow

1. Broken or damage engine mounts

This engine mount takes a function to dampen the vibrations that occur during engine operation. The engine mount is made of rubber, which is supple and elastic, so it is good for reducing vibration from the engine.

When the engine mount rubber is damaged, such as broken, hardened, or has lost its elasticity, the vibration that occurs in the engine is no longer reduced and is immediately transmitted to the entire car body. Moreover, if the engine mount rubber is completely used up, the strong vibration will be felt even more.

Generally, a damaged engine mount will cause the car engine to vibrate in standby, or term, the car engine vibrates when idling. The engine vibration will decrease when the engine reaches its high speed.

2. Worn-out driveshaft

Driveshafts can also be one of the causes of the car to vibrate when the engine rpm is low. The driveshaft is formed from bearings and special iron rods that are very strong and have a function to continue the engine speed to the wheels.

When the driveshaft is damaged, such as dry and worn bearings, or the iron rod (shaft) encounters "unbalance", it also resulting in the driveshaft's rotation unbalanced. This is what will cause a strong enough vibration even to be felt in the car body.

Apart from causing the car to vibrate at low speed, a damaged driveshaft also often makes a clanking noise, especially when it turns completely right or left.

3. Worn-out cross joint on the propeller shaft

Cross Joint is basically a bearing shaped like a plus sign "+" where the needle bearing is attached to all four ends. Generally, the cross joint is placed at the two ends of the propeller shaft.

If the cross joints are damaged, such as dryness, stuck bearings, worn and obliterated bearings, it is likely that the rotation of the propeller shaft will also become unbalanced.

The propeller shaft's unbalanced rotation due to cross joint damage can also cause the car to vibrate at low rpm. In fact, the vibrations that occur from the propeller shaft are often felt at certain speeds when the car is driving. Some feel the vibration when the speed is low, and some feel the vibration when the speed is moderate.

Also Read:

• Why does my car shakes when i brake ?
• #7 Reasons your car pulls left when braking

4. Abnormal clutch

Cars that vibrate at low rpm due to a damaged clutch are generally only felt when we are about to release the clutch pedal when the car starts to move, whereas at high rotation vibrations rarely occur.

This vibration usually occurs because the surfaces between the clutch lining, clutch cover, or flywheel are uneven and have a fairly severe bend.

When the clutch pedal is slowly lifted, and the car starts to move, the bends that occur will bump into each other fast and cause vibrations throughout the car body.

5. Engine problem

Apart from the vibration dampening components, the engine can also cause the car to vibrate at low rpm. Incorrect engine settings lead to imperfect engine work.

As a result, the engine will feel infirm, choke, or vibrate, which can be felt up to the car body. Here are some examples of the causes of a car engine to vibrate when idling:

• One or part of the engine cylinder loses compression.
• Faulty spark plug, leaking current on spark plug wire, leaking ignition coil.
• One or some of the engine injectors are clogged.
• Faulty Electronic Fuel Injection or common rail system.
• Etc.

6. Tires and wheels damage

Swollen tires and wheels that are out of balance when spinning can also cause the car to vibrate at low rpm.

Often happens, curves in the wheels and bulges in the tires that are not visible but if you look closely, the rim or tire has experienced unevenness on its surface.

Therefore, the importance of maintaining car suspensions, such as regular spooring and balancing, can help to anticipate vibrations at low rpm due to tire and wheels damage.