Causes of Car Engine Vibrating at Low RPM, Let's Find Out!

The car engine vibrating at low RPM is a sign that there is a problem with the car components, so what is the cause of this? Well, through this post, we will discuss it thoroughly.
As we know, low RPM refers to engine speeds ranging from 750-1,500 RPM. Actually, the engine vibrating when started is considered normal because there are several partitions that function to dampen engine vibrations.
But if the vibrations are felt inside the cabin, it makes the driver and passengers uncomfortable during the journey. If this condition occurs, immediately check at your trusted workshop. Who knows, there might be a damaged component that needs to be replaced. Now, to find out what the cause is, see below!
Here are 6 Causes of Car Engine Vibrating at Low RPM
Here are some causes of car engine vibrations at low RPM:
1. Damaged clutch
The main cause of the car engine vibrating at low RPM is a damaged clutch. However, this symptom is usually only felt when releasing the clutch pedal. While at high RPM, the vibrations are not felt.
The vibrations occur due to the surface of the clutch disc, clutch cover, or flywheel being uneven or even bent, so when the clutch pedal is lifted slowly, these components collide, causing vibrations that are felt in the cabin.
Read Also: 14 Causes of Car Engine Vibrating When Stationary & Their Solutions
2. Damaged engine mounting
Engine mounting is a component that functions to dampen vibrations when the engine is running. This component is made of rubber. When this engine mounting is damaged or no longer elastic, its function as a vibration damper becomes suboptimal.
As a result, vibrations from the engine can be felt inside the cabin at low RPM. At high speeds, the vibrations will decrease on their own. Some signs that engine mounting is damaged and needs to be replaced are when its elasticity is lost, cracked, or too hard due to engine heat.
3. Damaged drive shaft or wheel axle
The wheel axle can be one of the causes of the car vibrating at low RPM. The wheel axle is made of bearings and a special strong iron rod that functions to transmit engine rotation to the wheels.
If the wheel axle is damaged, for example, the bearings are worn or the iron rod is unbalanced, then the rotation produced will also be unbalanced. This condition triggers vibrations that will be felt inside the cabin accompanied by a "clunking" sound.
4. Internal engine problems
Internal engine components can also be the cause of abnormal engine vibrations. There may be components that are not properly adjusted, causing their function to be suboptimal.
For example, there are several parts of the engine cylinder that have lost compression. Leaking spark plug wires or weak coils can also trigger vibrations at low RPM.
Also check the car's injectors that may be damaged or clogged. This condition obstructs the gasoline spray into the car's intake manifold. As a result, the engine RPM can rise on its own and abnormal vibrations occur.
5. Bulging tires or rims
The condition of the car's tires or rims being bulging or uneven can also be a cause of the car engine vibrating while driving at both low or high speeds.
Immediately check the condition of the tires or rims for any waves, bulges, or wear? Therefore, maintenance such as wheel alignment and balancing must be done at least every 20,000 km.
6. Problems with the propeller shaft and cross joint
The condition of the propeller shaft and cross joint being dry, jammed, worn, or loose can cause vibrations at certain speeds, including at low RPM. These two components are interconnected because of their function as a balance for the car's wheel rotation.
If problems are found in these two components, take it to your trusted workshop for repairs.
Those are some causes of car engines vibrating at low RPM. Regular car maintenance is one solution to prevent this from happening.
Author: Dinno Baskoro