Vibrations That Can Be Felt

Vibrations That Can Be Felt

Shake





Shake is a low frequency vibration, typically 5-25 Hz. Shake is sometimes felt in the steering wheel, the seat, or the console. The best description is the feeling from an out-of-round or unbalanced tire. Customers may refer to a shake in one of the following terms:

* Shimmy
* Wobble
* Shudder
* Waddle
* Hop

In most cases, shake is caused by damage or wear to the following components:

* The tires
* The wheels
* The brake rotors (vehicle-speed sensitive)
* The steering tie rod ends
* The suspension ball joints
* The engine (engine-speed sensitive)

Roughness

Roughness is a vibration with a slightly higher frequency than the shake, usually 25-50 Hz. Roughness is similar to the feeling you get from holding a jigsaw.

Buzz

Buzz is slightly higher in frequency, usually 50-100 Hz. A buzz is similar to the feel of an electric razor. You may feel it in your hands through the steering wheel, in your feet through the floor, or in the seat. Inspect the following components for a possible cause:

* The exhaust system
* The A/C compressor
* The engine

Tingling

This is the highest vibration frequency that you can feel. Tingling may sometimes produce a pins and needles sensation. Customers may say the vibration creates numbness in their hands or feet.