Your car may run smoothly until you reverse and notice it shaking, hinting at an underlying issue. The vibrations may be subtle or vigorous, depending on the problem.
So, why does my car shake in reverse? There are several reasons for this occurrence, and you can point out the culprit from the characteristics of the shaking.
We have your back if you are experiencing this problem, as we will look at why your car shakes in reverse and how to fix it for a smooth ride.
Damaged Reverse Gear
A broken reverse gear can explain a shaky reversal, particularly in manual vehicles. It is primarily due to negligent driving or a driver who is inexperienced in manual shifting. When changing gears, you may detect other signs, like shifting difficulties or grinding noise.
In severe situations, the vehicle’s reverse function may completely fail. You should fix the problem promptly before it affects other parts of the gearbox.
Once you note the mentioned signs, inspect the gearbox to ascertain the issue. Replace the damaged gear and perform standard maintenance practices like cleaning the gearbox and lubrication to prevent future damage. Additionally, you should drive the vehicle carefully and learn how to use the stick shift properly.
Worn-Out Clutch
The clutch is critical in connecting the engine to the transmission system. When you brake, the clutch’s plates press against each other, and the friction generated extends to the wheel axle, stopping the car.
Over time, the clutch plates wear, and the vibration from their compression may go overboard and affect car reversal. The built-up pressure in the clutch system will present itself in shakes.
Besides shaking when reversing, you may also notice:
- Difficulty in shifting gears
- A spongy-feeling clutch pedal
- Grinding noise when shifting gears
- Burning odor when driving
You should replace the clutch kit before you get back to the road. Inspect supporting components, such as clutch cables and bearings. Repair or replace them if they are out of order.
Can I drive with a broken clutch? You can drive with a faulty clutch, but the experience can be punishing. Furthermore, you can extend the destruction to other parts, primarily the gearbox.
Insufficient or Dirty Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid helps lubricate moving parts of the transmission unit and dissipate heat, among other applications. If your car shakes in reverse, there is a high chance you have low or dirty transmission fluid.
The vibration may accompany difficulty shifting gears, delayed shifting, a burning odor, grinding noises, and transmission overheating. The check engine light will turn on to notify you about an issue with the transmission unit.
You might spot pools of transmission fluid where you park your car, hinting at a leaking system.
Refresh transmission fluid levels if low, and ensure you use high-quality products for the best service. You may be dealing with a leak if you regularly refilled the fluid, but it is still insufficient.
Inspect the entire transmission assembly to point out the source of the leak. You must replace the seals most of the time, but in severe instances, you may need an entire housing.
You can detect dirty transmission fluid by the presence of impurities, which affect its efficiency. You should get rid of the bad fluid, flush the system, and refill with fresh product.
A Bad Driveshaft
Your driveshaft may be the problem if your car vibrates when reversing, with the vibrations mainly originating underneath the vehicle. The shaking may be noticeable even when driving normally, but the shaking becomes prominent when reversing or turning.
The hiccup mainly originates from the U-joint and is accompanied by various noises depending on the issue. Squeaking noises when driving indicate that the U-joint bearings require lubrication. A loud clunking sound signals a severely damaged U-joint.
Violent shuddering when you press the gas pedal signifies a loose U-joint or worn center bearings.
You should consult your mechanic if you suspect a driveshaft malfunction. If experienced in auto mechanics, you can start by inspecting the U-joint, as it is the genesis of most driveshaft problems.
Tighten it if it is loose and replace it if it is severely damaged. Regular lubrication of the U-joint and center bearings will prevent future complications.
Worn Engine Mounts
Engine mounts could be why your car shakes in reverse. The mounts hold your engine in place, ensuring stability and damping vibrations. They are rubber builds and will wear over time due to corrosion or friction.
Signs of worn engine mounts include uncontrolled vibration, bad physical shape, and weird noises during acceleration. Extended wear may lead to engine damage.
You must get new mounts once you discover the problem, as the engine may get damaged. Replacing the mounts as a set is advisable, as they wear at the same rate. They should be of great quality for a long service life.
Bad Transmission Mounts
Transmission mounts work the same way as engine mounts by stabilizing the transmission system in one place. When these rubber mounts degrade, they lose their grip, and the transmission unit will be unstable, resulting in vehicle shaking when you reverse.
You can detect damaged mounts via visible wear, clunking or bashing sounds when driving, chassis flex, and troublesome cornering. Sometimes, the issue is not due to wear but rather improper installation or a product mismatch.
Replace damaged transmission mounts and make sure they fit your vehicle’s specifications. Install the mounts correctly to avoid fast degradation.
An Issue With the Tires
Car vibration when backing can signal something wrong with the tires. Deflated or worn-out tires won’t move properly due to improper grip on the surface and may cause the vehicle to shake during reversal.
Uneven tire destruction is another culprit behind car vibrations, whether the car moves forward or back. Vehicles with deflated or uneven tire wear may slant to one side.
Inspect the tires and appropriately attend to the trouble. Pressurize deflated tires to recommended levels and replace out-of-shape tires. You should rotate your tires to encourage even wear and boost their longevity. Tire alignment balances the wheels, promoting stability.
Bad Spark Plugs
Spark plugs provide the spark required for combustion. Dirty or worn spark plugs won’t perform as required and may result in misfiring due to incomplete combustion. The car may jerk or vibrate under low RPMs, like when you are reversing. The engine may also suddenly stall.
While the blame mainly lies with faulty spark plugs, it may be a case of air and fuel delivery hitches and general engine failure.
You should change standard spark plugs after 10000 to 20000 miles or according to the lifespan indicated by the manufacturer. Replace them if they are dirty, which you detect via carbon deposits on their body. Make the necessary modifications to sort out the air and fuel delivery problems and engine failure.
Structural Damage
Structural damage, such as in accidents, might be why your car shakes in reverse. The vehicle may feel wobbly and unstable, a possible symptom of a mangled chassis. The destruction may affect parts of the suspension unit, making reversal difficult.
A mechanic can make the necessary repairs to the affected parts. You must replace parts like shocks, struts, and axles to bid goodbye to the snag.
Question: Can I Drive a Vehicle With Reversing Problems?
Driving a car with reversing problems is challenging, especially when parking or maneuvering out of tight spots.
From this discussion, we can deduce that the problem often originates from the transmission system. The issue might be the gears, transmission fluid, or mounts.