Why does my car shake when I brake? There are a few reasons why your vehicle might experience shaking, and it’s important to address this issue before it becomes a bigger deal.
Brake rotor issues, worn brake pads, brake calipers are sticking, dry guide pins, issues with alignment, unbalanced tires, bent wheel rims, suspension problems, and power steering issues…
But first, let’s examine the potential problems with your car.
Why Does My Car Vibrate When I Apply the Brakes?
It’s a troublesome feeling when your car shakes when you brake. A number of problems, including those listed below, may be to blame if the shaking only happens when you’re braking while driving, especially if the car has front or all-wheel disc brakes.
Brake Rotor Issues
Your brake rotors, which are substantial metal discs situated between the two brake pads on your brakes, are fastened to the wheel hub assembly or axle of your car. Through the brake caliper, these pads press against the rotor to slow and stop your car. The brake pedal activates the master cylinder, which supplies hydraulic fluid pressure to this caliper.
If one or more of your brake rotors becomes ‘warped,’ you might experience that dreaded vibration when you brake. In this case, consider having your brakes inspected at your local Tires Plus.
Worn Brake Pads
It is impossible to avoid brake pad wear over time. You might also notice vibrations, depending on how the rotor or the pads are wearing. If your vehicle vibrates when you apply the brakes and is accompanied by an annoying squealing sound, it’s likely time to get your brake serviced at Tires Plus. Check for how to check brake pads.
Brake Calipers Are Sticking
Your brake calipers are in charge of pressing the brake pads against the rotors. When you apply the brakes, hydraulic brake fluid fills the caliper’s chambers, pushing the caliper piston(s) against the pads and decelerating the rotor. The fluid pressure in the calipers increases as you apply more force to the brakes, putting more pressure on the brake pads and rotors.
When you apply the brakes, there might be some vibrations if the caliper or caliper pistons are unable to properly squeeze the brake pads against the rotors. Additionally, when engaged, calipers may become stuck, making it impossible for the brake pad to release the rotor.
If your brake caliper is sticking, you may experience a few symptoms. Your brake pedal may become less responsive, you may experience acceleration difficulty, and/or your car might pull to one side. You may also hear unusual sounds while braking or even smell a burning odor from excessively hot pads and rotors being squeezed together for too long.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get your brakes serviced at Tires Plus immediately to ensure you maintain brake safety on the road. Check for how often should you replace your brake pads.
Dry Guide Pins
If your steering wheel shakes when you come to a complete stop, the problem may be dry guide pins. To help the brake pad contact the rotor, these guide pins, which are a component of the brake calipers, are in charge. These pins require cleaning and lubrication to operate effectively. When they become corroded or dry, they can cause the brake pads to push down on the rotor at the wrong angle or the caliper to stick.
To determine if you have dry guide pins, visit a service center since the caliper must be removed, inspected, and lubricated. Additionally, inspecting the caliper housing and working with high-temperature grease are frequently required to resolve this issue.
Issues With Alignment
You might have alignment problems if you brake at speeds higher than 50 miles per hour and notice your vehicle shuddering. Drive your car between 50 and 55 mph when there are no other cars around to test this theory. Take your hands off of the steering wheel for a few seconds, but keep them nearby in case of an emergency. You want to know if the car strays slightly to the left or right.
If your vehicle doesn’t have alignment issues, then it should travel in a straight line. However, if it does drift just a little bit in either direction, your car needs to be thoroughly inspected to see if you need to align two or four tires.
Unbalanced Tires
Another common reason why your vehicle shakes when applying the brakes involves your tires. The suspension system of your car may have to work harder if the tires are underinflated or uneven in some places. Additionally, it may cause the steering wheel to start to tremble, making it difficult for you to control the direction of the car.
The mechanic should examine the wheel alignment as well as the tires on your car when you take it in for a tire rotation. The ideal time to rotate your tires is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but you should check your owner’s manual to make sure.
Bent Wheel Rims
Bent wheel rims have a similar effect to worn and misaligned tires in that they can make your car drift while you’re driving. The likelihood of having a bent rim is high if you drive through potholes. You may hear faint vibrations coming from your car while traveling at high speeds with bent rims. You might notice that the vibrations worsen as you go faster. Uncomfortable vibrations in your car’s steering wheel are brought on by bent wheels. Before they cause further damage, it’s crucial to have the rims taken care of.
Suspension Problems
If you notice that your vehicle shakes not only when you hit the brakes but also during regular driving, you might have issues regarding your suspension. Small rocks and potholes can gradually harm your car’s axle, which will then harm the suspension. Suspension issues could also be at play if your vehicle shakes specifically when coming to a stop.
The constant velocity (CV) joint, which is joined to the vehicle’s axle, is another component impacted by axle damage. If the rubber boots that protect the CV joint become damaged by holes or filled with dirt and debris, the vehicle might shake. Almost every impact on the axle system has an impact on this joint.
Power Steering Issues
There are numerous parts involved with your vehicle’s power steering system, and each one of these parts must be in the best condition so you can make smooth turns. You might observe that turning the steering wheel in one direction requires more force than turning it in the other. Along with using more energy, you might notice a shaking sensation when turning. If this occurs, your power steering may be malfunctioning.
When stopped, try to duplicate the maneuver to see if the vehicle shakes then. If the steering wheel alone causes shaking, the problem is probably with your steering system. You might have a leak in one of the hoses. Check for how much does it cost to replace your brake pads?
When I Hit the Brakes, My Steering Wheel Shakes!
Unsettling is definitely the feeling of a shaky steering wheel or vehicle when braking. However, not all of them have to do with your brakes if your steering wheel is shaking. ‘Warped’ rotors, a stuck brake caliper, tire balance or tire issues, and even suspension problems can all cause you to feel vibrations in your steering wheel or vehicle.
How long do car brakes last? We will also tell u the factors that affect brake pad life, signs when your brake pads are worn out, and how to extend your brake pad life.
How Brakes Work?
Even the least technically savvy drivers are aware that brakes reduce a vehicle’s speed by restricting the wheels’ ability to turn. The car will slow down if you slow down the wheels’ rotation.
As you compare cars you’ll find two types of brakes are fitted on virtually all current vehicles. While disc brakes are more common, a few cars still use drum brakes, usually on the back wheels.
A metal disc known as the rotor is connected to the wheel in a disc brake. The wheel and rotor combination can rotate freely until the driver presses the brake pedal because each rotor is equipped with a clamping mechanism known as a caliper. The brake pad inside the caliper comes into contact with the disc when the hydraulic fluid in the braking system is activated by that pressure, slowing the wheel. The brake pad is clamped more tightly to the rotor when the brake pedal is applied with more force, increasing hydraulic system pressure.
With drum brakes, a hollow metal drum is attached to the wheel and when hydraulic pressure is applied via the brake pedal and braking system it forces “shoes” within the drum to apply friction to its inside circumference, slowing the wheel. Once more, pressing harder on the brake pedal causes the brake shoes to apply more force to the drum, slowing the wheel down more quickly.
A great way to reduce the cost of brake replacement is to change your own brake pads and rotors. So, how to change the brake pads?
FAQs
How Do I Stop My Car Shaking When I Brake?
One possible cause of shaking when you apply the brakes, especially at high speeds on the highway or when going downhill, is your tires. This is the first thing you should investigate if you experience shaking while braking. You might have a bad tire that is unbalanced or your wheels could be out of alignment.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Shaking Brakes?
When you apply the brakes, the calipers pinch down on the rotors via the pads and the wobble causes vibration. This is a simple problem to solve in the short term. The rotors and brake pads are changed. Cost range from an independent trustworthy mechanic is between $250 and $500.
Do I Need New Brakes If My Car Shakes When I Brake?
Typically, this means brake service is required. To successfully slow down or stop your vehicle, the entire braking system must function as a unit. The entire system might need maintenance if one component is broken.
Summary: Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?
Brake rotor issues, worn brake pads, brake calipers are sticking, dry guide pins, issues with alignment, unbalanced tires, bent wheel rims, suspension problems, and power steering issues…
It can be a little startling to experience your car’s and the steering wheel’s vibrations, especially when braking.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. KV Auto tries to give you the best car industry information. Thank you for reading.
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