Does your vehicle shake when you accelerate? Did you think that this shaking was just part of the car, something that you must learn to live with? Shaking during acceleration is common in vehicles, but it is a problem that can be solved. In fact, having this simple, common problem can be a sign that a bigger, more expensive problem is looming, if the shaking is not fixed. Depending upon when your car shakes during acceleration – if it’s only at high speeds, low speeds, or at a constant speed – there could be different causes of the problem. Here are some potential reasons why your car vibrates with acceleration, and how to fix them.
The Motor’s Mounts are Damaged
One reason your car could be shaking with acceleration is that the engine’s mounts are broken. If even one of the motor mounts is broken, this could occur, and puts more stress on the remaining mounts. Replacing broken motor mounts is one way to stop vibration during acceleration.
The Inner CV Joints are Broken
If your car’s inner CV joint, at the end of the axle, is damaged, the car will vibrate during hard acceleration. Replacing the damaged CV joints can fix this problem.
The Lug Nuts are Loose
If the lug nuts on one of your car’s wheels are loose, it could cause the vehicle to shake when you accelerate. If this issue is not fixed, you could end up with a much bigger, more hazardous problem -- losing a wheel while driving down the road. Use a torque wrench to check the tightness of each lug nut on each wheel to correct this issue. Hesitating to tighten loose lug nuts, could, as mentioned above, lead to a larger issue – wheels that come off the vehicle during driving.
The Tires are Unbalanced
This problem is especially common if you have recently had new tires installed on your vehicle. Vibration at constant speeds that worsens at higher speeds, causing a car’s steering wheel to shake, may indicate unbalanced tires. Take your car to your tire shop and have it balanced to fix this problem.
The Axle is Bent
Vehicle vibrations that get worse during acceleration could also indicate a bent axle. This is common after a minor accident or hitting something large (like a curb). The axle must be replaced to fix this problem. Don’t wait to fix this problem or it could turn into something more major (and more expensive).
The Driveshaft is Bent
Does your car have rear wheel drive? Does it shake under acceleration at low speed, worsening with higher speeds? If so, the cause could be a bent driveshaft, which could have occurred during an accident. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the driveshaft.
The Spark Plugs are Dirty or Worn
If your car’s spark plugs are worn or dirty, you will notice shaking during stopping and with acceleration. Remove the spark plugs and clean or replace them to correct this issue.
The Vacuum Hose is Disconnected or Torn
Your vehicle will shake acutely while accelerating if its vacuum hose is disconnected or torn. The hose must be inspected for even small tears or disconnection. Disconnected vacuum hoses can be reattached with small clamps. The entire vacuum hose can also be replaced with stronger silicon vacuum hoses to correct the problem and lessen the chance of it happening again.
The Brake Caliper is Stuck
If your steering wheel starts to vibrate at speeds of 40 to 50 miles per hour, with worsening vibrations the faster you accelerate, your car’s brake caliper may be stuck. All parts of the car’s brake system on each wheel should be inspected closely to discover this problem. Any parts that aren’t working must be replaced.
The best way to find out why your car vibrates with acceleration is to take it to a trusted mechanic. That way you can ensure that you know exactly what is causing it – and that it is fixed correctly!