Hello guys, I needed some advice to rectify a problem in my Zen that i’ve been experiencing for 3 months now.
The problem is, when i crank the engine and leave it in idle condition, i experience a heavy vibration on my steering wheel, it becomes periodically intense and i suspect its something got to do with the engine rpm, because when i rev up the engine, all the vibrations disappear. I think the problem could be solved if i were to change engine mounts or is there anything in the steering assembly that needs to be changed (bearings, mounts etc.)
Mine is a 2000 model Zen Vxi. It has run over 1 lakh km. Currently its at my home town and I intend to bring it to Chennai next month. Kindly pour in your thoughts.
Týmová podpora BHP
Založen: Sep 2010
Umístění: Všude!
Příspěvky: 7,424
Poděkování: 17,578 XNUMX krát
Re: Heavy vibration on steering wheel in low idle condition
For the steering vibration, the steering rod would need to be changed.
Apart from the vibration, do you hear a khad-khad sound coming from the engine bay when you go thru’ rough roads? (Not from the suspension bushes mind you)
If you get this sound, you’d need to change the engine mounts.
If both, it would cost you ~6k (had them replaced for my Zen recently so know). Just the steering column is ~2k including labour IIRC.
sweet_poison
Senior — BHPian
Založen: Mar 2009
Místo: Chennai
Příspěvky: 1,928
Poděkování: 5,069 XNUMX krát
Re: Heavy vibration on steering wheel in low idle condition
Is the idle otherwise smooth, check also the idle rpm. Get it serviced and also have carb checked.
Senior — BHPian
Připojit Datum: srpen 2010
Místo: Dillí
Příspěvky: 2,577
Poděkování: 2,704 XNUMX krát
Re: Heavy vibration on steering wheel in low idle condition
As it is old, it may be problem with engine mounting — rubber gone soft or deteriorated with time.
You may have to change any rubber bushing (if there) in the steering column. All in all with age rubber deteriorates and at ten years most rubber parts are past their prime. The best thing is to change all the rubber parts, if not changed till date
— All rubber hoses
— Flexible brake lines
— Brake internal rubber parts (brake overhaul kit has them all)
— All bushes and mountings
This is also the best time to change
— Brake linings/pads
— Clutch plate
— Brake fluid
— Chladicí kapalina
— Gearbox oil
as most of them have a 50k km service life.
Význačný — BHPian
Založen: Oct 2009
Místo: Chennai
Příspěvky: 4,226
Poděkování: 9,636 XNUMX krát
Re: Heavy vibration on steering wheel in low idle condition
2000 Zen should be a carburetor model. I’d advise to check the idle rpm 1st. After which follow the instructions above. Especially engine mountings.
Připojit Datum: listopad 2011
Místo: Chennai
Poděkování: 3 XNUMX krát
Re: Heavy vibration on steering wheel in low idle condition
I think i’ll follow strategy:
1. Check for the low idle rpm.
2. If the idle rpm is ok, then i’ll check on the steering column, first the rubber bushings, but i dont know if they’ll replace just the rubber bushings.
3. Last i’ll check on the engine mounts, because apart from these low idle vibration on the steering wheel, i do not feel any vibration on the floor or on any part of the vehicle.
Senior — BHPian
Připojit Datum: srpen 2010
Místo: Dillí
Příspěvky: 2,577
Poděkování: 2,704 XNUMX krát
Re: Heavy vibration on steering wheel in low idle condition
Původně odeslal sweet_poison
I think i’ll follow strategy:
1. Check for the low idle rpm.
2. If the idle rpm is ok, then i’ll check on the steering column, first the rubber bushings, but i dont know if they’ll replace just the rubber bushings.
3. Last i’ll check on the engine mounts, because apart from these low idle vibration on the steering wheel, i do not feel any vibration on the floor or on any part of the vehicle.
With bad engine mounts, you will see the engine vibrating violently at low RPM. An easy visual check. The mounts damp the vibration, so even at very low RPM there is not much engine movement.
Senior — BHPian
Založen: Jul 2006
Místo: Madras/Py
Příspěvky: 7,556
Poděkování: 500 XNUMX krát
Re: Heavy vibration on steering wheel in low idle condition
Increase the idle rpm to 700-800 rpm, that should solve the issue i am sure.
Datum připojení: květen 2011
Místo: Bangalore
Poděkování: 14 XNUMX krát
Re: Heavy vibration on steering wheel in low idle condition
I had a similar problem with M800. Turned out to be the engine mounts.
Datum připojení: prosinec 2009
Místo: MH04
Poděkování: 290 XNUMX krát
Baleno steering vibration on idle — Advice needed
I have a 2006 Baleno VXI that’s run 60K KMs. I need your advice on the following:
1. When the car is in idle with the AC on, the steering vibrates like crazy for a second or two then becomes normal, this is repeated every ~20 seconds. What can be the reason?
2. Recently when I drove my BIL’s Baleno (2006 again) I found that car’s steering lighter than mine. I have had it looked up at Fortpoint but they say its normal. Any experts in the forum who have experience with this?
3. Since the car has run 60K KMs, would it make sense to have the engine mounts replaced? Any other bushes or other plastic/rubber part I should replace?
I plan to take the car for servicing next weekend (5/6th April), would appreciate your advice. Thanks.
Význačný — BHPian
Založen: Apr 2013
Místo: Beans Town
Příspěvky: 1,848
Poděkování: 8,347 XNUMX krát
Re: Baleno steering vibration on idle — Advice needed
Start the engine and open the engine bay to check for any visible excess engine movement. Also see how much play the engine mounts are allowing for the engine. Because the problem is intermittent observe for a few minutes if the engine shaking also follows the pattern of the steering vibration, if it does your mounts need adjusting first (if that doesn’t work then replacement).
Steering feeling heavy has little to do with the vibrations. If you feel the car steering is much heavier than normal then possibly the hydraulic oil has to be flushed and replenished new (ahead of 80k schedule) then the P.S oil line has to be bled to remove air. This should take care of that.
Since it’s a 60k service you might have to change the timing belt, this itself might reduce your engine vibrations. Mount related vibrations can be felt at all speeds usually. Tell them to pay attention to injector/throttle body cleaning, check spark plugs and timing belt.
Your car should be steady, especially when it is idling. But sometimes, it can run into a problem that makes the steering wheel vibrate.
This vibration is irritating and scary; hence, its cause needs to be identified and fixed as soon as possible. Many components can make it behave that way.
But since it is still, it is safe to rule out an issue with the wheels or the suspension parts.
It would be best to address the following reasons when you encounter a steering wheel vibration at idle.
8 Causes Of Steering Wheel Vibration At Idle
Vadný snímač klepání
The knock sensor is responsible for regulating the number of vibrations in the engine.
For instance, when idling, the knock sensor should pick the vibration signals and alert the Electric Control Unit (ECU).
The ECU will, in turn, alter the ignition timing accordingly, resulting in no vibration. Therefore, if the knock sensor malfunctions, it will send the wrong signals to the ECU.
Gladly, you won’t have to spend much time diagnosing the knock sensor since a “tap-tap “sound usually accompanies the vibration.
Also, fixing the problem is not hard in most vehicles since it is a single wire that is easily accessible, and with a ratchet, you can easily replace it.
However, in other cars, the knock sensor is concealed by other components, and it will take you many hours to access it.
Vadná zapalovací svíčka
Unless your car is a plug-in, it has a spark plug whose role is to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
If the spark plug goes faulty due to lack of periodic maintenance, it will fail to cause ignition in the chamber.
It is called engine misfire and is responsible for the steering wheel vibration.
If you have driven the car for over 100,000km without replacing the spark plug, the chances are high that it is failing and is responsible for this matter.
Therefore, replacing the faulty spark plug will eliminate the vibration.
However, if the problem persists and is accompanied by a check engine light, you have another issue that needs to be fixed.
A Malfunctioned Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
The variable valve timing performs an almost similar role to that of the knock sensor. It adjusts the timing of the ignition to enable the engine to work smoothly.
So if it encounters a problem, a vibration that seems to be coming from the steering wheel will be felt.
For instance, if the engine oil runs low, the variable valve timing will be interrupted. It will, in turn, make the engine run roughly, hence causing vibration.
Unfortunately, diagnosing and fixing the VVT requires both skill and time. Many things should be examined, such as the engine oil, VVT solenoid, and VVT switch.
Therefore, it is best to let a professional handle it for you.
The Motor Mounts Are Worn
Your car has motor mounts that keep the engine in its place.
If the motor mounts wear out, the engine will move randomly and knock on other components, thus causing vibration in the steering wheel.
It is even worse if the rubber insulators on the mounts malfunction.
As you know, the movement of the engine is dangerous hence you should repair the damaged part in the motor mounts.
It doesn’t usually take a lot of time to access, replace or fix the motor mounts.
However, the engine needs to be supported when doing so. It calls for a mechanic to make the process safe and easy.
The Fuel Injector Is Dirty
The engine needs enough and a regular supply of fuel to run smoothly. But the fuel injector that supplies it might get dirty.
For instance, the fuel injector can accumulate impurities over time, blocking the fuel flow to the combustion chamber.
A low amount of fuel in the combustion chamber will lead to engine misfires that result in steering wheel vibration.
Luckily, there are specialized chemicals that you can use to clean the fuel injector.
All you have to do is gain access to the fuel injector, which might be challenging, especially when you don’t have the tools or the know-how.
So, you might have to take your car to a mechanic. But once it is fixed, it would be best to start using a fuel injector cleaner when refilling the tank.
Špatný rozvodový řemen
The steering wheel vibration at idle can also be due to a bad timing belt.
This belt ensures that the synchronization of the crankshaft and camshaft is timed correctly.
It will ensure that the piston operates optimally by opening and closing the valves correctly. If the timing belt goes wrong, this process will be interrupted.
For instance, if the timing belt gets stretched due to a mechanical issue or old age, the synching of the camshaft and crankshaft won’t happen.
As a result, the pistons will collide with the valves resulting in vibration. Regrettably, replacing a bad timing belt is a complicated procedure.
Therefore, you should consult a mechanic when fixing a steering wheel vibration at idle.
An Issue With The Vacuum Hose
The vacuum hose ensures optimal pressure in the engine, ensuring that air and fluid flow properly. It also enables the spark plugs to work efficiently.
However, it can get disconnected from the engine, thus interrupting the pressure. It will make the engine vibrate heavily.
This vibration will seem to be coming from the steering wheel, even when the car is idle.
The vacuum horse can also develop holes due to old age. It will cause similar problems described above.
So, you will have to examine the vacuum hose thoroughly to find out what is making it malfunction.
A detached vacuum hose can easily be spotted and reconnected, but tiny holes on its surface can be hard to find. But you can spray some water on its surface to aid you.
If there are holes, the water will form bubbles, and you will have to seal them using duct tape.
Malfunctioned Mass Air Flow Sensor
If you still can’t find what is causing steering wheel vibration at idle, perhaps it is time you examine the mass airflow sensor (MAFS).
If the mass airflow sensor gets faulty, it will send the wrong information to the ECU. It will lead to injecting the wrong amount of air into the combustion chamber.
The timing of this injection will also be wrong, making the pistons collide with the valves. As discussed above, these two scenarios will cause engine misfires and vibrations.
The good news is that a faulty MAFS will also make the check engine light come on. So you will have to read the diagnostic codes to confirm it.
Once you conclude that it is faulty, you can repair or replace it depending on the magnitude of the damage.
Steering Wheel Vibration At Idle – Conclusion
A steering wheel vibration at idle is both terrifying and annoying. Therefore, it is vital to know what’s behind it and eliminate it.
This problem is generally caused by issues related to the engine, such as the knock sensor, spark plugs, MAFS, vacuum hose, VVT, motor mounts, etc.
So, by replacing or repairing these parts, you will get rid of such vibration.
Patrick začal svůj milostný vztah k autům už v dětství. V průběhu let prohlašuje, že své řidičské schopnosti pevně drží a zároveň dokonale rozumí autům. Můžeme očekávat zajímavé, holistické a příjemné blogy s jeho smyslem pro psaní a jeho láskou k autům.
Patrick je automobilovým nadšencem a má zkušenosti zahrnující dvě desetiletí, během kterých jezdil na těch nejpodlejších a nejsilnějších strojích v automobilovém průmyslu. Mezi jeho předchozí avatary patří automobilový profesionál, fotograf a novinář a na tomto webu jistě zažijete kulatost zkušeností v jeho díle.
Ve své druhé dekádě revizí automobilů a analytických nástrojů je Patrick připraven poskytnout vám přesvědčivé, spolehlivé a nejnovější informace o tom, co se děje v automobilovém průmyslu. V současné době vlastní BMW Z3, ale nemůže spustit oči z Aston Martin DB5. Je automobilovým nadšencem; rád vaří a poslouchá hudbu, zejména jazz. Zde jsou některé kousky napsané naším esem autora.
