Car Shakes When Braking: What You Need To Know!
The car shakes when braking is one of car signals one should not ignore. The reason for this shaking can be anything including tires, brake rotors, or any other reason.
The bottom line is it’s better to be concerned before than to cure later. To make the driving safer and smoother, diagnose the cause of a glitch in every possible way.
Car Shakes When Braking: Common Causes
The brakes of every vehicle are available as a disc or drum and friction & resistance are the reason behind its functioning.
When you feel that tremble, either low or high friction and resistance can be one of the reasons behind it. Moreover, some other reasons can be there.
1. Tires
Tires are the most common reason for those shakes. If the tires are out of balance then the steering wheel or the car shakes.
According to some studies, the shaking might start around fifty to fifty-five miles and if not handled at that time, the situation might get worse at sixty miles.
But, there is nothing to worry about as it gets better with increasing speed. However, consulting a professional automobile mechanic for maintenance tips is useful, anyway.
2. Running Out Rotor
Rotor running out can be a reason behind car shakes when braking. In this situation, the rotor might move from side to side, exceeding the maximum allowed amount, which is approximately .05mm.
A dirty or rusty disc face and thin spot on the rotor could be the reason behind it.
3. Jagged Rotor
Improper tightening of the new rotor after servicing can shake the car when brakes are applied.
It is necessary to tighten the rotor in a specific pattern and a precise torque specification for the smooth working of the car.
Video: The possible reasons why your car shakes when braking!
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4. Brake Caliper Striking
You can feel some vibrations through the steering wheels when the brake caliper strikes on. The situation can get worse as the car speeds up more. Moreover, you can smell a burning odor as well.
You can avoid the tire problem by buying the new and top quality one. Besides, investigating the tires before and after service is the best idea to do.
Dealing with brakes is easy by adding the caliper during the maintenance session. If your car has traveled more than seventy-hundred miles, it is necessary to take your car for maintenance as soon as possible.
You can figure out the caliper sticking by noticing the front or rear brake pads wearing more than the other does.
FAQs
1. Can tire issues cause my car to shake when braking?
Yes, tire problems such as uneven tire wear, improperly balanced tires, or even damaged tires can lead to vibrations felt when braking.
Issues with tire alignment can also cause the car to shake by affecting how the tires make contact with the road.
2. Does the type of brake pad material affect vibration issues?
Different brake pad materials can indeed have varying effects on braking smoothness.
For example, metallic pads may offer durability but can be more prone to noise and vibrations compared to ceramic pads, which generally provide quieter operation and less harshness when braking.
3. Can aftermarket modifications to the brake system cause shaking?
Aftermarket modifications, such as fitting larger or cross-drilled rotors or performance brake pads not suited to your vehicle’s specifications, can sometimes lead to shaking when braking.
It’s important that any modifications match the vehicle’s design and are installed correctly.
4. Could the weather affect my car’s braking and cause shaking?
Extreme weather conditions can temporarily affect your car’s braking system. For instance, driving through deep water can cause brake rotors to cool rapidly and unevenly, potentially leading to warping and subsequent shaking when braking.
5. Is it possible for the car to shake due to ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) malfunctions?
While the ABS is designed to prevent skidding and maintain steering control during an emergency stop by modulating brake pressure.
A malfunctioning ABS sensor or controller can cause irregular braking behavior, including potential shaking during braking scenarios where the ABS incorrectly activates.
Video: Steering wheel shakes when braking >> Here is how to fix
6. Can the way I brake contribute to shaking issues?
Aggressive braking, especially at high speeds, can contribute to premature wear and tear of brake components and can lead to issues such as rotor warping.
Using a smoother braking technique can help prolong the life of your braking system.
7. Could brake fluid conditions lead to braking vibrations?
Old or contaminated brake fluid can affect the hydraulic pressure within the brake system, potentially leading to inconsistent brake application and shaking.
Ensuring your brake fluid is clean and at the correct level is essential for optimal brake operation.
8. How does driving habits impact rotor warping and vibration?
Frequent, heavy braking, such as in stop-and-go traffic or on steep descents, can increase the heat buildup in the brake rotors, leading to a higher risk of warping and subsequent vibrations when braking.
Using engine braking and allowing more stopping distance can help mitigate this risk.
Conclusion
Visiting a top-rated automobile mechanic for consulting your car issues is the best idea. The experts can tell you the cause of car shakes when braking and can come up with the perfect solution.
You can make your car last long by using all the maintenance tips and considering the warning signs, today!
