What Causes the Vehicle to Shake When Shifting from D to R Gear?
4 Answers
The shaking may be caused by the following three reasons: 1. The engine or transmission mount rubber is broken or damaged, causing the engine or transmission to not be properly connected and cushioned, resulting in vibration when shifting gears. 2. The engine ignition system or intake system is not functioning properly, causing unstable engine speed and leading to vehicle vibration. However, after reading the data stream of the faulty vehicle's engine, all data indicators show normal, the engine speed is very stable, and the speed needle does not swing back and forth with the vibration. Therefore, this possibility can basically be ruled out. 3. The transmission's lock-up clutch is not working properly, causing a rigid connection of the torque converter, thus leading to vibration. But after reading the data stream of the faulty vehicle's transmission, all data indicators are normal, and the torque converter slip value of the transmission is within the normal range. Additionally, if the lock-up clutch is abnormally engaged, the engine speed needle would also swing back and forth when the vehicle shakes. Therefore, it can be preliminarily judged that the fault of this vehicle should not be caused by damage to internal components of the transmission.
A few days ago, a friend of mine had the same issue with his car—when shifting from drive to reverse, the body shook violently, almost like an earthquake. This kind of problem is mostly caused by worn-out engine or transmission mounts, those small rubber cushions that hold the engine in place. When they age, they can’t handle the vibrations anymore. If the car is old or frequently driven on rough roads, these mounts wear out faster, leading to unstable power transfer during gear shifts, which makes the car shake. Additionally, if the transmission fluid hasn’t been changed for too long or is of poor quality, it can also cause rough shifting. I’d recommend checking these areas first—find a reliable repair shop to inspect the mounts and fluids. During regular maintenance, make sure to change the fluids on time to prevent the problem from worsening and avoid minor issues turning into major repairs. If you notice shaking while driving, don’t push it—safety first, pull over and check.
I've been driving for over ten years, and I always find it particularly annoying when the car shakes noticeably while shifting from D to R gear, especially when maneuvering in parking lots. This issue is actually quite common – it could be due to loose or worn universal joints on the drive shaft causing uneven power transmission and resulting in body vibration. Another possible reason is shifting gears without fully depressing the brake pedal, which gives the transmission insufficient time to respond, causing sudden engine load changes and vibrations. I've observed technicians at 4S dealerships handling this – they typically inspect the entire powertrain system, including checking brake and transmission linkage. For routine maintenance, I make it a habit to check my vehicle's condition every 10,000 kilometers or so. Regularly changing transmission fluid helps reduce friction risks and prolongs the car's lifespan. When encountering severe vibrations, I gently apply the brakes and shift gears smoothly to protect the transmission while ensuring safety.
My family has an old SUV, and when shifting into reverse, the body shakes so much it's nerve-wracking. It could be due to aging transmission components, such as a stuck valve body or leaking oil seals, which increase shift shock. Alternatively, improper engine installation or unadjusted gaps might be the cause. This kind of vibration isn't just annoying; over time, it can damage the car and even affect braking performance. I often remind friends and family to get it repaired promptly and not wait until an accident happens. For a simple check, you can do it yourself: park, turn off the engine, press the brake firmly, and slowly shift from D to R to feel the intensity of the vibration. If it's severe, professional inspection is needed. Normally, pay attention to starting with light throttle to reduce shift load.
