Nissan Repair: Nissan Altima shaking especially when in reverse., nissan altima, massage chair

Question
QUESTION: Any information on this would be grateful..you have no idea.I drove to work and my car was running fine. I started the car leaving work and noticed a shaking of some sort as if the car was going to cut off. it did not. as I am driving I noticed at lower speed the vibration and when the car is in reverse. Any idea on what this may be I've read several posts: motor mounts, rotors, timing chain. I've had several issues with this car and being a single woman I don't have a lot of help and/or money to buy a new car at the moment. Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Tash -

I need more info on the shaking - is it a vibration, or more noise? Do you feel it on the car or just on the steering wheel? You say it shakes when you are at low speeds? At what speed does the shaking stop? Are you pressing the gas at that time? Any information you can give me will help the diagnosis.

My guess, if you feel vibration on the steering wheel in reverse, and not in drive, would be the motor mounts, or even the transmission mount.

However, get back to me on this info so I can go deeper into the diagnosis -

thanks
aloha]
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Aloha Calvin,  Thanks for the reply.  Actually I knew you would ask so today I tried to determine the numbers. At about 20-30mph I would notice..anything above 40mph and in motion no vibration. I actually feel the car shaking/vibrating the steering wheel vibrates but its due to the entire car..as if I was in some type of massage chair.  I also feel the vibration after sitting at a light and as I began to accelerate...I have to give it a little extra push with the gas petal. So there is a slight delay in the take off...I also tried to look at the rpm's and it appears that if I am sitting my rpm's may be around 500-1000 but when I try to take off..it will get up to 3000 and drop down to 2500-2000.  I hope this additional information. Helps..Again..much Thanks

Answer
Hi Tash -

Now it sounds like your car simply needs a tune up - perhaps one of the plugs are misfiring. This could be the reason for both the hesitation and the rough idle/shaking.

When was the last time you had it tuned? BTW, what year is your Altima?

Thanks
calvin