Why did the elevator shake?

When an elevator shakes, even slightly, it doesn’t just make passengers uncomfortable—it raises important questions about safety and maintenance. As elevator component suppliers, we often hear questions like:

Why is the elevator vibrating during travel?
Is it dangerous?
Can it be fixed?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the common causes of elevator shaking, why it matters, and what to check when it happens. Whether you’re a building manager or a technician, this guide will help you better understand what’s going on behind the scenes.

What Does Elevator Shaking Mean?

Elevator shaking refers to noticeable movements—like vibrations, jerks, or small bumps—while the car is in motion or when it starts/stops. This may occur at certain speeds, on specific floors, or randomly.

Some shaking is minor and not dangerous. But in many cases, it’s a sign of wear, poor adjustments, or failing components that should be checked soon.

Five Common Reasons for Elevator Shaking

1. Mechanical Alignment Problems

One of the most common reasons for shaking is poor alignment of the elevator’s guide rails or moving parts.

Worn guide rails: These metal tracks guide the elevator up and down. If they are bent or uneven, the car won’t run smoothly.
Loose brackets or bolts: Over time, parts like guide rail fasteners or the machine base may loosen, allowing small movements that cause vibration.
Uneven rail spacing: If the two rails are not parallel along the full travel path, the car may shake sideways.

What to check: Guide rail straightness, secure bolts, and proper spacing top to bottom.

2. Uneven Wire Rope Tension

The steel wire ropes that pull the elevator car must carry the load evenly. If one rope is tighter than the others, it can throw the system off balance.

Signs of rope tension problems:

The elevator doesn’t stop at the floor.
You feel small jerks when the car starts or stops.
Ropes don’t sit evenly in the traction sheave.

What to check: Rope diameter, stretch, and groove wear. In some cases, re-tensioning or replacing ropes may be needed.

3. Worn Bearings or Sheaves

Bearings inside the elevator’s traction machine, guide rollers, or deflector sheaves can wear down with time.

Bad bearings often make grinding noises or cause the elevator to shake more as speed increases.
Grooved or damaged sheaves can affect how the ropes move and increase vibration.

What to check: Listen for unusual noise during operation and inspect moving parts for play or wear.

4. Motor or Brake Problems

The elevator’s motor and brake system must operate smoothly.

If brake pads are uneven or the gap on one side is too tight, the car may lurch when stopping.
Improper acceleration settings can cause rough starts or stops.
In older systems, controller feedback loops may need adjustment to avoid speed changes that feel like shaking.

What to check: Brake clearance, motor drive parameters, and startup torque settings.

5. Installation or Adjustment Issues

Sometimes, elevator shaking is due to errors during installation or poor system tuning.

Guide shoe pressure too tight or loose can create friction and shaking.
Incorrect counterweight alignment can cause the car to tilt slightly during travel.
Loose components on the car or frame, like wall panels or bolts, can vibrate when the elevator moves fast.

What to check: All mechanical connections, counterweight frames, and balancing settings.

Is Elevator Shaking Dangerous?

Not always—but it depends on the cause. Minor shaking due to small misalignments or old ropes is often harmless but can lead to wear and tear over time.

However, shaking caused by braking issues, damaged components, or poor tension can affect the safe operation of the system. If ignored, this may increase the risk of shutdowns or more serious failures.

How Can You Reduce Elevator Vibration?

Here are some practical steps:

Schedule regular inspections to catch early signs of wear.
Use high-quality components, like precision bearings and traction sheaves.
Re-tension ropes if needed—especially after long-term use.
Replace worn-out guide shoes and recheck alignment.
Monitor passenger feedback—frequent complaints about vibration may indicate a deeper issue.

Work with a Reliable Parts Supplier

At Potensi, we understand how every small part affects the performance of your elevator. As a specialized supplier of elevator components, we offer a wide range of parts, including:

All our products are selected to ensure durability, safety, and compatibility across different elevator systems. We also provide technical support to help you choose the right parts for your situation.

Conclusion:

If your elevator is shaking, don’t ignore it. Small vibrations can grow into bigger problems—and reduce rider comfort and system safety. By identifying the cause early and replacing worn parts, you can keep your elevator running smoothly and confidently.

Need help sourcing reliable parts?
Contact Potensi today to learn more about our elevator components and how we can support your maintenance needs.