Is Your Vauxhall Vibrating? Possible Car Parts to Blame and Solutions

When you own a vehicle long enough, there are problems that are bound to develop. Car parts break down over time, forcing you to take a look and make necessary repairs and replacements. One of the most common issues you might experience with your Vauxhall is vibration or shaking. At first, the issues may be barely noticeable. However, the problem often grows, causing you to wonder what could possibly be wrong with the car.

While there’s no substitute for hiring a professional to diagnose your Vauxhall and determine exactly what is wrong with it, having a little background information and understanding what this symptom could mean can help you feel more comfortable when working with your mechanic. The issue could also be something relatively inexpensive and simple to fix, meaning you can take care of it yourself without the help of a mechanic.

Diagnosing vibration or shaking in your Vauxhall may seem complicated at first, but it’s important, especially in the early stages. If you catch the problem now, you may be able to save many Vauxhall parts that could wear down or even become damaged by the vibration over time, leading to more costly repairs. Here are some of the most common reasons behind shaking and vibration in a car to consider.

 

Do You Have Engine Problems?

Sometimes, shaking or vibration in a vehicle is an indication of engine problems. The engine might not be getting the spark, fuel or air it needs to operate as it should. When the Vauxhall shakes can help you diagnose the issue. If the problem is the engine, you may experience:

 

• Shaking that begins after the car has been started and driven for a little while

 

• Staccato shaking that occurs when you reach a certain speed

 

• Jerking or shaking when you press on the accelerator

 

If the Vauxhall exhibits any of these symptoms, the issue may be something simple to fix and relatively cheap. You may need to replace Vauxhall parts like spark plugs or spark plug wires. It may be time for a new air filter or fuel filter; the old ones may be starving the engine of the fuel and air it needs.

 

Is it a Bad Axle?

Your Vauxhall is full of car parts that work together harmoniously, rotating and reciprocating to fall within certain guidelines so every single part works properly. Unfortunately, if just one of these parts becomes damaged, the entire system suffers. That is what occurs when an axle becomes bent.

Axles can become bent easily in collisions- even small ones where visible damage is minimal. If this is the issue, you’ll likely find that vibration you experience increases when you drive faster.

If a bent axle is causing vibration, make sure to check other car parts closely related to this one as well, including the drive shaft and CV joints. These can become damaged at the same time as the axles and may contribute to the vibration or shaking of the vehicle. If you ignore them and simply replace the axles, the vibration may continue because of these other car parts.

 

When Did You Last Check Your Brakes?

Does the vibration, shaking or shuddering only occur when you apply the brakes? If so, the most likely cause is the rotor. These Vauxhall parts are part of the braking system and may warp over time due to normal wear and tear caused by overheating. When they become warped, the brake pads and callipers have a difficult time squeezing the rotors to make your car come to a complete stop. Because of the difficulty these parts have when squeezing the rotor, vibration occurs.

 

Another Brake Problem…

It doesn’t happen often, but that doesn’t mean it can’t. There have been times when the brake callipers on a vehicle stick. When this occurs, the vehicle starts to vibrate, but only when you reach certain speeds. You may begin to feel the vibration when you reach 45 miles per hour. The faster you go, however, the more evident the shaking is. In addition to this symptom, the car may also emit an odour that smells like burning rubber.

 

Is Your Radiator Fan Broken?

It may seem strange that a car part that doesn’t have anything to do with steering or the wheel of your car could be to blame for it shaking, but it’s actually very possible. Take your radiator fan, for instance. If this fan becomes broken, it will sit under the bonnet unevenly, wobbling as you drive. This may not seem like much, but it’s enough to cause your car to actually shake from side to side. This is especially true when you drive at higher speeds.

 

Circumstances Behind the Shaking

Do you experience vibration, shaking or shuddering in your car at different times and in different circumstances? Your mechanic will most likely ask you about when and where the shaking occurs, so be sure you are ready with the answers by paying close attention to how your Vauxhall is operating.

 

• Shakes When Idling- This likely means that the issue is related to a broken Vauxhall part or even fuel system issues.

 

• Vibration at High Speeds- When your Vauxhall vibrates at high speeds, the likely car part culprits are tyres, the transmission fluid system or the universal joint.

 

• Shaking Mainly Through the Steering Wheel- Shaking that is concentrated on the steering wheel are often caused by your tyres, tie rods, struts, balls joints, bearings or shock absorbers.

 

• Accompanied by a Loud Noise- If the shaking is accompanied by a loud noise, you may be looking at a serious problem either the transmission or the drive train.

 

Only a mechanic can correctly diagnose and repair vibration, shaking or shuddering in a vehicle. However, understanding what might be wrong can help you be better prepared when you visit the garage. If you’re having trouble with this system, get the Vauxhall looked at right away to avoid more complicated and expensive issues later on. While you may be able to repair some problems, a professional may be needed for others, so get help as quickly as you can.