Q: Car makes thudding noise and shudders at low speed
When I'm driving at lower speeds, the car starts making some noises and it shakes. At around 20 mph, I've noticed a thudding noise. As I slowly accelerate, the car begins to shudder. What might be the cause?When I'm driving at lower speeds, the car starts making some noises and it shakes. At around 20 mph, I've noticed a thudding noise. As I slowly accelerate, the car begins to shudder. What might be the cause?
Recommended Services
| Car is shaking or vibrating Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Your car seems to have what is called a "limited slip" rear end which controls the amount of power coming from the drive train to ensure that the power is evenly distributed to both wheels. The limited slip clutch packs will chatter a bit when it is low on fluid or the fluid needs to be changed. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to you to have this shaking issue diagnosed and repaired properly.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Car roaring at 60 MPH.
The noise you may be hearing is the rear axle bearings at high speeds. The vehicle should be checked (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection) by a qualified mechanic and the rear engine may need all the axle bearings replaced or the gears may need...
What does the immobilizer system Warning Light mean?
The immobilizer system Warning Light is located on the instrument panel. When the immobilization system does not recognize the key that you are using to operate your vehicle, the immobilizer system Warning Light will illuminate. Tip Like all warning lights,...
Engine stalls after a few minutes.
It is normal operation for the Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) to turn on when the key is in the engine run position and the engine is not running. As soon as the engine is started it should go out within...
Speedometer stick and jumps
Hello. Your Geo utilizes a speedometer cable (rather than an electronic sensor and wiring) to communicate speed from the transmission to the speedometer cluster. Given your mileage, the cable lining has probably deteriorated and the cable should be replaced. If...
My car sounds like it has a bad wheel bearing with a loud banging sound coming from the back area.
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. The noise could be a loose spare tire or something in the trunk bouncing around. If not, then there could be a lubrication failure in the differential or a loose axle mount. It...
Why doesn't my door open from the outside?
To determine what exactly has failed, it will be necessary to remove the inner door panel and look to see what part(s) have actually failed. The most common failures, when an outer door handle quits working (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/door-will-not-open-inspection), is a broken...
Engine coolant leaking straight out replaced radiator and hoses and still immediately leaks fluid right out of bottom 2000 Cadillac DeVille
Hi there - you may have a leaking (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-often-do-i-need-to-top-off-my-coolant) water pump, freeze plug, leaking hose, or cracked engine block. I would recommend a coolant leak inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-is-leaking-inspection) by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come...
Rattle under car or around engine? Drives fine just a rattle when I apply gas or go over bumps
Hi there. A rattling sound can be caused by simple problems like a loose bracket or a larger issue including a fan blade that is warped, internal engine components like valve lifters not receiving enough oil and drive belt pulley's...
It keeps on beeping and shows a radiator sign on the screen
Hello, thank you for writing in. When you are in this type of position the best thing to do is get a third opinion. If you do not have that option for one reason or another, you will want to...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Buick Lucerne
2011 2011 marked the final year of production for the Buick Lucerne, a venerable full-sized sedan that offers ample room in the interior. The car was noted for the significant amount of interior space and trunk space offered, although it...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Architect
Obviously, Obviously, architects appreciate beauty and symmetry. This is not just the case when it comes to their building projects, but also in terms of the vehicles they choose. We have evaluated several used cars, and identified the Mercedes CLA,...
How to Troubleshoot a Car With Clutch Noise
Clutch systems create noise if there is a damaged clutch master cylinder, clutch pedal, pressure plate, clutch disc, flywheel, or pilot bearing.
Browse other content
Maintenance
Cities
Estimates