updated with better information

I'll try to explain this best I can,

but just got a used '99 maxima GLE and when it's driving or the parking brake is applied there is a slight quiver. when idling with the brake pedal applied and in "drive" however, the shutter is definitely prominent and noticeable, and comes from the engine. the tachometer drops slightly with each shutter, and when I looked under the hood the engine block itself does pull back inwards towards the car with each shutter. the "service engine" light is on but a mechanic ran a diagnostic and found no codes (I even looked at his scanner and it said "no codes")

Anyone familiar with this problem, and if it's bad (needs to be fixed) or if it can just be ignored?

 

Sure the rotors are not warped and the rotors are with in specs. Does the car have good amount of pad life on it. Then check the inner outer rods.

 

check for codes and have the brakes inspected by a garage. i'd have the whole car looked over if you haven't already.

 

I think he/she might be describing an engine driveability issue (not a brake rotor vibration while braking at high speeds).

Does the engine shudder when you hit the brake in Park? Or does it only happen in Drive when you hit the brake and are stopped?

Is your check-engine-light on? Either way, have the computer scanned for codes as there may be pending codes.

Also, it is a good idea to have a visual inspection done for things such as brakes, suspension, etc...

 

ummmmm, i think i already said this....

 

I couldn't help but laugh at this thread title.

OP - Is this sensation happening while the car is still or moving?

 

Alright, I got some time to check it out more thoroughly, so I have more detail that will hopefully be more helpful (my initial post will be edited with this new & more accurate info):

-it does slightly quiver when driving, not just idling
-it does quiver when the parking brake is on (I stand corrected)
-if it matters, it does shake less when the parking brake is engaged (i.e. it shutters more when idling with brake pedal in drive)
-I looked under the hood while it was "quivering" and the whole engine block pulls back slightly with each shutter
-like I mentioned, the tachometer drops slightly with each shutter
-a "service engine" light is on, we had a mechanic run codes but nothing comes up

the brakes DO need to be serviced, but I'm more suspicious about it being an engine problem than anything

 

CEL's don't come on for no reason. Your mechanic is missing something.

W/o more info, it's either a bad coilpack or vacuum leak.

 

You have a misfire. Causes include, bad spark plugs, coil packs, fuel injector or as suggested, a vacuum leak.

 

It might be quivering because it is a big vag, and wants to get pounded??

 

Seriously though, it sounds like a typical automatic that shakes while in gear at a stop. Check the motor mounts and change the sparkplugs for new NGK coppers.

 

Dude its 100% your motor mounts, the engine should never be moving in the engine bay at idle, something is really loose or broken. What you're seeing on the tachometer is the fact that the sensor that reads rpm is shaking back and forth. As far as the MIL being on there is a code set somewhere but probably from the fact that the engine is free to roam around your engine bay lol its a cheap fix but might be pricey in labor