What Causes a Van to Shake When Driving?
2 Answers
The reasons why a van shakes when driving are: 1. Severe carbon buildup in the engine causes the air-fuel mixture to be too lean during cold starts, making it difficult to start; 2. Poor working conditions of spark plugs, high-voltage wires, and ignition coils; 3. Abnormal fuel pump pressure or incorrect readings from the intake pressure sensor; 4. Aging engine mounts causing idle shaking; 5. Using incompatible fuel grades, leading to reduced engine output and power; 5. Partial blockage of the fuel tank switch, fuel filter, or fuel lines between the tank and carburetor, failing to meet the required fuel supply; 6. Cold starts where the coolant temperature is low, resulting in a rich air-fuel mixture and incomplete combustion.
I've been driving a van for over twenty years, and shaking is most commonly caused by tire issues. Once, my van was shaking badly, and the mechanic said the front wheel balancing weights had fallen off—without proper balancing, the tires are prone to wobbling. Tire pressure that's too high or too low also causes instability, so it's best to use a pressure gauge to check; the standard pressure is marked on the door frame. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, worsening the shaking. For rear-wheel-drive vans, a bent or unbalanced driveshaft can make the vibration worse when accelerating. Warped brake rotors are a hidden issue—shaking becomes severe only when braking. Worn-out or loose engine mounts can also make the body shake at idle. I recommend checking tires and suspension components every six months—don't slack off, safety comes first. If your van starts shaking on the road, slow down and get it fixed at a professional shop as soon as possible.
