Nothing is as alarming as the feeling of your own car violently shaking whenever you press the brake pedal. It is a sensation that immediately showcases a problem, as a routine stop turns into a moment of uncertainty. It is indeed a frightening experience. Moreover, it also indicates clearly that the automobile needs attention.
A shaking vehicle is not a normal occurrence nor a coincidence. Ignoring it can lead to more serious and costly issues, leading to even more expensive repairs. The shaking sensation is felt in either of the two places:
- The steering wheel
- The entire vehicle
When a vehicle shakes when slowing down, the motorist should know that it is telling them something. That is, a key component of the brakes has failed. There may be additional causes of this shaking that need to be determined promptly.
The article will go through the causes of the automobile shaking during stopping, its symptoms, and their solutions.
Why does my car shake when I brake?
Why does my steering wheel shake when I brake? This issue is linked with the vehicle’s speed-reducing system, tires, or other important components. Leaving it unchecked presents a big risk. It can become more serious in the long run, as it damages important parts and risks compromising passenger safety.
Understanding all possible causes can help motor vehicle owners identify the problem and address it in a timely manner to keep their vehicle in proper condition. Let us now take a closer look at why the car shakes when braking:
Deformed Brake Rotors
The first reason for a vehicle shaking is deformed brake rotors. These rotors are metal discs that help slow it down once the stopper pedal is pressed. Fundamentally, they work together with the speed stopper pads.
The problem is that heat and wear can cause decelerator rotors to warp due to continuous usage. This leads to uneven contact between the stopping device’s pads and the rotors. This causes vibrations during stopping.
The symptoms of distorted rotors are vibrations in either the stopping pedal or the steering wheel. Those who drive a vehicle with this issue can experience a pulsating feeling upon applying speed decelerators. This is particularly possible when it is either:
- Being driven downhill
- Is going at a very high speed
The Solution
Have a professional inspect the decelerator’s rotors. Depending on their condition, they either need resurfacing or replacement. This will help restore proper stopping, ensuring the automobile is safe to drive.
Worn-out Brake Pads
Brake pads are important as they help stop the car. How? They cause friction with the brake rotors. Pressing the stopping pedal causes them to grip the rotors, which in turn slows the wheels. However, over time, the stopping device pads wear down due to usage. They cause vibrations in the reducing speed when they become uneven.
Uneven or worn car stopper pads create a jerking and shaking sensation in either the stopping pedal or the steering wheel. Squealing or squeaking sounds can take place during deceleration. Other than the jerking movement, their efficiency reduces. The car will stop at a distance after braking, and that compromises the motorist’s safety.
The Solution
It is best to inspect the car restraint pads regularly and replace them when necessary. Timely replacement of worn speed stopping pads ensures optimal stopping performance. It helps prevent unnecessary vibration when braking. Furthermore, it helps maintain the vehicle’s overall safety.
Sticking Brake Calipers
If the brake rotors are not warped, and the stopper pads are new, and still the car is shaking while braking, then speed-slowing calipers can be the culprit. These calipers usually press the speed slowing pads against the rotors. This creates the required friction to either slow down or stop the vehicle.
However, if the calipers are sticking or malfunctioning, they will cause uneven stopping force on the wheels. This leads to shaking and vibrations during deceleration.
The common symptoms of sticking calipers include the car going to one side during stopping and an evident decrease in the stopper’s performance. These are dangerous issues. Not only do they prevent the car from stopping properly, but they can also cause accidents.
The Solution
Have a qualified mechanic inspect the speed stopper’s calipers. They either need cleaning or replacement to restore optimal braking performance.
Unbalanced or Worn-out Tires
Unbalanced or even tires can make the automobile wobble, especially when the vehicle speed restrainers are applied. An unstable ride is also most likely due to unbalanced tires. They can cause parts of them to contact the road differently. This leads to shaking during stopping.
Motorists can experience vibrations throughout the vehicle, along with the steering wheel. Either bald spots or deep tread areas are identified as signs of tires wearing out.
The Solution
Rotate tires regularly. Also, have the alignment checked periodically. These routine maintenance tasks help maintain the tires’ wear, which in turn improves the ride. Braking performance is hence amplified.
Issues with the Suspension
The suspension system helps keep the automobile stable as it supports its weight and absorbs road shocks at the same time. They fail to absorb those shocks when their components are either damaged or worn out. This subsequently leads to vibrations during deceleration.
The symptoms of issues with the suspension systems include the car bouncing excessively after hitting a jump. It also includes difficulty in controlling the vehicle, especially during braking. It makes the vehicle feel unstable and unsafe during high-speed driving and braking.
The Solution
Professional mechanics must check the suspension regularly to address the issues. A thorough inspection can identify the damaged parts. This, in turn, leads to timely repairs to ensure the vehicle operates smoothly. Regularly maintaining the suspension helps ensure motorists and passengers are safe in automobiles.
Over to You
A car shaking and vibrating during braking is indeed a problem. It not only wears down the parts but can also cause mishaps and serious injuries. In fact, such a problem has also been linked to loss of life due to vehicular accidents.
This is why periodically maintaining the vehicle, especially the brakes, suspension, and tires, helps ensure smooth operations. It also ensures the safety of motorists and passengers alike. These systems of vehicles should be in top order to prevent a serious disaster from taking place.
