Car Shakes When Braking? Here’s Why and How to Fix It

If a car shakes when braking, it can be irritating and concerning. This shaking is usually caused by malfunctioning the car’s brake system or other components. Ignoring this issue can make driving dangerous and result in more expensive repairs later. 

To keep your car running smoothly and safely on the road, you must first identify the source of the problem and resolve it as soon as possible. This article is here to answer the awaited question of ‘Why does my car shake when I brake?’

Why Is My Car Shaking When I Brake?

When your car vibrates when braking, it’s usually an indication that there is something wrong with the braking system or associated parts. Here are the most usual causes:

• Warped Brake Rotors: Brake rotors can warp or become uneven due to stress and heat over time. This results in an irregular surface, causing vibrations upon braking.
• Worn Brake Pads: If brake pads are unevenly worn or have become hardened with age, they can create shaking by failing to make proper contact with the rotors.
• Suspension Problems: Shocks or other suspension parts can develop problems that result in vibration during braking as the system tries to stabilize the vehicle.
• Tire Issues: Misaligned wheels, unbalanced tires, or uneven tire wear can produce shaking when braking at high speeds.
• Loose or Broken Parts: Worn-out wheel bearings or other faulty components in the braking system may cause vibrations and shaking.
• Stuck Brake Calipers: A stuck or not releasing brake caliper can create uneven pressure on the rotors which causes shaking.

Car Shakes When Braking – Signs to Watch Out For

Here are some common signs that reveal problems with a car that cause it to shake:

Shaking Steering Wheel

A vibrating or shaking steering wheel is usually due to warped brake rotors. This happens because the rotor’s uneven surface causes unbalance when brakes are applied. It’s an unmistakable sign that your braking system requires attention.

Brake Pedal Vibration

If you experience pulsations or thumping sensations when you press the brake pedal, this is commonly a sign of misaligned brake rotors or worn-out brake pads. The irregular surface causes the brake calipers to hold unevenly, thus causing the thump. This problem needs to be checked as soon as possible to maintain safe braking.

Unusual Noises

Squealing or squeaking sounds when braking tend to signal worn rotors or worn-out brake pads. Such sounds are caused by brake components that are not smooth in their operations anymore. It can cause additional damage and be expensive to repair if these sounds are neglected.

Car Pulling to One Side

If your vehicle tugs to a single side on braking, it is due to unevenly worn brake pads or due to suspension faults. This is because one aspect of the brakes is exerting more pressure compared to the other. It’s a safety risk that requires to be checked without delay.

Deteriorating Vibrations in High Speed

Vibration that increases as the car speeds up, shows tire imbalance or worn suspension parts. These issues tend to impact the car’s stability and braking performance. Repairing them early can help avoid further damage and enhance road safety.

Visible Damage or Wear

Check your tires and brakes for uneven wear or cracks, which can also cause shaking. Unevenly worn tires or faulty brake parts interfere with the smooth ride of your vehicle. Regular checks can identify these problems before they become worse.

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Why It’s Dangerous to Ignore the Problem

Here are some reasons why you should not ignore the shake when braking issue:

Decreased Braking Performance

Car shaking while turning or braking usually shows problems such as warped rotors or worn brake pads, which can cause your vehicle to lose the ability to stop properly. This results in increased stopping distances and makes it more difficult to respond quickly in emergencies. Neglecting this can endanger you and other road users to greater risks of accidents.

Increased Wear on Other Components

Braking system issues can put related components like the suspension and steering system, under strain. With time, this increased pressure causes further deterioration and costly repairs. Addressing the problem earlier avoids additional damage and financial expenses.

Loss of Vehicle Control

Extreme shaking or pulling to one side during braking can cause difficulty in steering or controlling your vehicle. This is particularly dangerous at high speeds or in sudden stops. Fixing the issue ensures your vehicle is stable and safe to drive.

Higher Repair Costs

What starts as a small problem, can grow into serious issues like bent rotors or suspension failure. Neglecting repairs tends to lead to more complicated and expensive repairs. Acting sooner is easier and cheaper.

Possible Total Brake Failure

Shaking while braking can result in the entire brake system failing in worst-case scenarios. You will be unable to stop the car, making it a life-threatening condition. Regular repairs will help you steer clear of such dangerous situations.

How to Diagnose the Issue?

Some common methods to diagnose this problem are:

Visual Inspection

Start by checking the brake rotors for warping, grooves, or uneven surfaces that are visible as they can result in shaking. Check if the brake pads are unevenly worn down or too thin. Also, check the tires for odd wear patterns or damage that can be contributing to the issue.

Test Drive

Drive the car at different speeds and ease off the brakes lightly and firmly to see when the vibration happens. Note whether the shaking is only in the steering wheel or in the whole car. This will reveal whether the problem is brake or suspension-related.

Check for Unusual Noises

Listen attentively for any grinding, squeaking, or squealing noises on braking because these sounds usually refer to worn brake pads or damaged rotors. Sounds can also refer to faulty brake calipers or other causes. Stopping these sounds can narrow down the problem.

Check Suspension and Steering Parts

Check the suspension system such as shocks and ball joints for wear or damage. Make sure the steering system is in good working condition and isn’t causing the shaking. Loose or worn suspension components can create vibrations especially when braking.

Tire Inspection

Check tire pressure to make sure that all tires are adequately inflated as lack of even pressure can result in shaking. Check for uneven wear around the tires which is a sign of possible alignment or balancing problems. Damaged or unbalanced tires can create vibrations that also get worse when braking.

Professional Diagnosis

If you’re unable to identify the issue yourself, take your car to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection. They can measure rotor thickness, check brake calipers, and test the suspension system to pinpoint the problem. A professional diagnosis ensures all potential causes are addressed for a safe and smooth driving experience.

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How to Fix Car Shaking When Braking?

Now that you are sure about your car having shaking problems when you brake, let’s get into how you can fix this problem. Just follow the given tips:

• Resurface or Replace Brake Rotors: Resurface twisted rotors for a smooth surface or replace them if they are severely damaged.
• Replace Worn Brake Pads: Fit new brake pads to provide even contact with rotors and avoid vibrations.
• Repair or Replace Suspension Components: Repair worn-out shocks or suspension components to enhance stability and control.
• Balance or Replace Tires: Balance or replace unevenly worn tires to remove braking vibrations.
• Repair Brake Caliper Problems: Clean or replace jammed brake calipers to provide even braking pressure.
• Routine Maintenance: Have regular brake inspections and don’t ride aggressively to avoid problems down the road.

Preventive Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Problems

To make sure that you don’t face this issue in the future, consider the following tips:

Regular Brake Inspections

Set up regular brake inspections to find and fix problems such as worn-out pads or warped rotors before they escalate. A pro can detect wear early on and keep your braking system in healthy shape. Maintenance checks ensure top braking performance and safety.

Avoid Harsh Braking

Abrupt or forceful braking causes overheating which distorts rotors and harms brake components. Practice easing up on the brakes to decrease stress on the system and increase its longevity. This easy habit will avoid shaking and enhance overall braking performance.

Rotate and Balance Tires

Rotating and balancing your tires regularly ensures even tire wear and reduces vibrations during braking. Shaking and braking performance can be affected by uneven tire wear. Tire maintenance also improves handling and prolongs the life of the tires.

Check Tire Pressure

Keep tires properly inflated to ensure even tire wear and smooth braking. Vibration and decreased braking performance can occur with underinflation or overinflation. Check and adjust as required every month for the best performance.

Replace Brake Fluid

Brake fluid ages over time which cuts down on braking effectiveness and can lead to problems such as shaking. Always replace the brake fluid based on the advice of your car maker. New brake fluid maintains hydraulic pressure and braking performance correctly.

Cost Breakdown of Fixing Brake Shaking Issues

Repairing brake shaking issues in your car depends on what type of problem you have. Here is the breakdown of the costs:

• Resurfacing rotors can cost between $35 and $150 per rotor while replacing them can be $200 to $500 per axle. 
• Worn-out brake pads can range from $100 to $300 per axle. 
• When the issue is caused by a stuck caliper, fixing it can be between $200 and $500, while replacement will cost over $600 per caliper. 
• Suspension repairs which includes replacing ball joints or worn shocks can cost $300 to $1,000. 

Remember that maintenance can prevent costly repairs in the future which is important for the long term.

Conclusion

If your car shakes when braking, it means something is wrong and requires attention. Common causes of this are deformed rotors, worn brake pads, and tire problems. Ignoring the problem can make driving risky and result in pricey repairs. 

If you experience shaking, have a specialist evaluate it straight away. Resolving the issue ensures a safer and more comfortable journey.

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