Why Does the Vehicle Body Shake at Low Speeds?
4 Answers
Reasons for vehicle body shaking at low speeds: 1. It may be caused by incorrect dynamic balance data of the four wheels. It is recommended to check the dynamic balance of all four wheels. If the data is incorrect, it can be readjusted. 2. It may be due to wear or looseness of the wheel bearings on all four wheels. It is advised to inspect the bearings of all four wheels. If any are loose, replacement is recommended. 3. The tire treads on the four wheels may have bulges or unevenness, causing the vehicle to shake while driving. 4. There is a high possibility that the vehicle's front suspension system has issues, but the exact cause and specific faulty component need to be determined through an on-site test drive based on your vehicle's condition.
I have an old car that wobbles at low speeds like riding a boat. A very common issue is tire problems. Tires can deform after prolonged use, especially if left parked in the same position for a long time without moving. Uneven pressure on the wheels can easily cause bulging or deformation. Another issue is wheel rim deformation, possibly caused by accidentally hitting the curb while driving. Aging rubber components in the suspension system are also annoying. For example, cracked control arm bushings can make the wheels unstable, especially noticeable during turns. Worn universal joints on the driveshaft can also cause resonance, particularly in the 20-40 km/h low-speed range. I recommend first checking the tire pressure to see if there's a significant difference among the four wheels. If that doesn't help, have a mechanic inspect suspension bushings and CV joints.
Previously, I experienced severe shaking in the car at low speeds, which turned out to be caused by improper tire dynamic balancing. When wheels rotate at high speeds, absolute balance is required. If the balancing weights fall off, the wheel's center of gravity deviates, causing the vehicle body to vibrate. This issue is most noticeable when driving slowly over bumpy roads, where the steering wheel shakes along with it. Uneven tire wear can also cause similar symptoms—for example, if the right front tire is more worn than the left front tire, the difference in tread height leads to uneven friction. Additionally, if the brake discs are uneven, even light braking can make the steering wheel shake enough to numb your hands. Suspension system issues should not be overlooked either, such as worn steering linkage ball joints causing the wheels to wobble side to side. These conditions all require professional inspection with a lift, starting with the easiest to address: tire dynamic balancing.
When the vehicle body sways at low speeds, prioritize checking for tire and wheel issues. Possible causes include a bulging or deformed tire, or a wheel rim that has become out-of-round after an impact. Insufficient tire pressure is particularly common, especially when the weather turns cold and air hasn’t been replenished in time. Worn suspension bushings can amplify this swaying sensation—for example, if the control arm bushings are cracked, you’ll hear a clunking sound over every speed bump. A broken engine mount can also transmit vibrations to the body, becoming more noticeable at lower RPMs. Here’s a three-step recommendation: use a tire pressure gauge to check if all four tires have consistent pressure; turn the steering wheel while stationary to listen for any unusual noises from the suspension; and during maintenance, ask the technician to inspect the wheel rims for deformation using a jack.
