BMW of Clear Lake can help you identify why your BMW shakes when idling.
One of the worst feelings is when you notice your vehicle shudder when driving. Is it a nail in my tire, did that pothole hurt my car suspension, or did I break the driveshaft? There are many components that could be the reason the car is shaking, and the potential problems can fluctuate greatly. The most common cause of the shaking generally happens in the vicinity of your wheels and tires. They connect your vehicle to the road, and if anything is out of alignment, you’re going to feel it. It could be something like a broken transmission mount or a broken control arm. These more severe component failures could leave you stuck on the side of the road.
If you got different wheels and tires recently, your car vibrating could be from the wheels and tires that weren’t balanced correctly. Balancing the tires makes sure the weight of the tires and wheels are evenly distributed for the most peaceful ride possible. So, if you feel the tire shuddering while you are driving, it might be an unbalanced tire. If the tires are properly balanced, but your car is still shuddering, check to make sure the lugnuts are fully tightened, and ensure the tire pressure is correct. If you find that your tires are the cause of the shake, you should get it looked at immediately.
If your vehicle shakes when braking, that’s a pretty strong indicator that you should have the brakes checked out. The most obvious cause of your steering wheel shudder is worn brake rotors. When a driver pushes down on the brake pedal, the brake pads compress against the brake rotors to stop your vehicle. A smooth rotor surface provides smooth braking. A warped surface will shudder when braking, sort of like how a brick road feels rougher than an asphalt highway. Other potential causes of the shuddering include frozen brake calipers or damaged suspension components. If you feel your steering wheel start to wobble, bring it in to get checked out.
If a vehicle is shaking before you ever start driving, then there’s a chance that you have some broken parts. The most obvious reasons for a car shaking in idle are:
The Driveshaft has Failed – If damaged or not perfectly balanced, it could be the source of the shudders
Bad CV joints – Working together with the driveshaft, cv joints get the engine power to the wheels and, if broken, can be the cause of the car shaking.
Engine Mounts That Are Broken – As the name indicates, these parts help mount the engine to the car. If they get damaged or broken, it can let the engine move around under the hood.
If you’ve felt a vibration in your car, then bring it to us for an inspection. Our knowledgeable technicians will find the reason for the shaking and get you back on the road quickly.
BMW of Clear Lake is an ideal place to get BMW service in the Houston 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 3 Series service online or in person today.
