What Causes Shaking During Van Operation?
3 Answers
Reasons for shaking during van operation: 1. Aging engine components: Vehicle shaking may be related to worn engine mounts, which are responsible for absorbing minor vibrations during engine operation. If the engine mounts are faulty, these vibrations can transfer to the steering wheel and cabin, causing shaking at idle; 2. Ignition system issues: Check the condition of spark plugs, high-voltage wires, and ignition coils. Poor performance in the ignition system or inadequate spark plug firing can lead to vehicle shaking; 3. Severe engine carbon buildup: A common cause of vehicle shaking is excessive carbon deposits in the throttle body or fuel injectors. When there is too much carbon buildup inside the engine, the gasoline sprayed by the cold-start injector can be largely absorbed by the carbon deposits, resulting in shaking at idle after a cold start.
I've been driving a van for deliveries for several years and have encountered shaking issues multiple times. The most common problem is with the tires—imbalanced rear wheel loads due to long-term heavy cargo, or mud and debris stuck in the wheel hubs, causing severe shaking at high speeds. The suspension system is also prone to wear and tear; shock absorber leaks or weakened springs can make the van shake violently on rough roads, especially since vans are inherently heavy. Once, I had a broken buffer pad, and replacing it for a few hundred bucks fixed the issue. My advice is to first check if the tire pressure is even, then use a jack to lift the wheels and inspect for loose bearings. Addressing these minor issues early can save a lot of trouble.
Having driven for decades, van shaking usually stems from a few root causes. One is cracked or loose engine mounts, where vibrations from the running engine transfer to the body, especially noticeable during acceleration. Another is misaligned drive shafts, worn universal joints, or bent axles causing uneven power transmission and shaking. Additionally, aged suspension bushings can also lead to this, as vans carrying heavy loads wear out parts faster. It's essential to inspect carefully with professional tools before minor issues escalate.
