When you hit the brakes, your car shakes primarily due to warped or uneven brake rotors. This issue can result in vibrations felt in the steering wheel and brake pedal.
Other potential causes include worn-out brake pads, loose suspension, and loose wheel bearings. Addressing the root problem and replacing damaged components can resolve the shaking sensation while braking. Seek professional inspection and maintenance to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience without the disruptive vibrations.
Taking prompt action can enhance your vehicle’s braking performance and overall driving comfort.
Common Causes Of Car Shaking When Braking
Experiencing a car shake when hitting the brakes can be attributed to a few common causes. One reason is uneven brake rotors or worn-out brake pads. Additionally, loose wheel bearings, suspension issues, or worn brake drums in vehicles with drum brakes can also cause this shaking sensation.
Always have your brake system checked for safety.
When it comes to the safety of your car, one of the most important components to consider is the braking system. If you notice that your car shakes when you hit the brakes, it could be a sign of underlying issues that need to be addressed. Below, we will discuss some common causes of car shaking when braking.
Warped Brake Rotors
One of the main reasons why your car shakes when you brake is due to warped brake rotors. Brake rotors are responsible for providing the surface for the brake pads to grip onto, allowing your car to come to a stop. However, over time, the brake rotors can become warped due to excessive heat and wear. This can cause an uneven braking surface, leading to vibrations and shaking sensations when you apply the brakes.
Worn Brake Pads
Another common cause of car shaking when braking is worn brake pads. Brake pads are designed to wear down over time as they come into contact with the brake rotors during braking. When the brake pads become excessively worn, they can create an uneven contact surface, causing vibrations and shaking when you hit the brakes. It is important to regularly check your brake pads and replace them when necessary to ensure a smooth braking experience.
Loose Suspension
A loose suspension system can also contribute to car shaking when braking. The suspension system is responsible for absorbing shocks and maintaining stability while driving. If any components of the suspension system, such as control arms or bushings, become loose or damaged, it can lead to vibrations and shaking when you apply the brakes. Regular inspections and maintenance of your suspension system are crucial to prevent any potential issues.
In conclusion, car shaking when braking should not be ignored as it can indicate underlying problems with your braking system or suspension. If you experience any vibrations or shaking when you hit the brakes, it is essential to have your car inspected by a professional mechanic to identify and resolve the root cause of the issue. By addressing these common causes, you can ensure a safer and smoother driving experience.
How To Identify The Issue
When your car shakes when you hit the brakes, it could be caused by various issues such as warped brake rotors, worn-out brake pads, loose wheel bearings, or loose suspension. It’s important to have your brake system checked to identify the exact problem and get it fixed.
Steering Wheel Vibrations
- Notice any vibrations in the steering wheel while braking.
- Check if the vibrations are consistent or worsen as you brake.
- Listen for any unusual noises accompanying the vibrations.
Pulsating Brake Pedal
- Observe if the brake pedal pulsates under your foot.
- Feel the brake pedal for any irregular movements or sensations.
- Test if the pulsations coincide with braking or are constant.
DIY Fixes For Car Shaking When Braking
When your car shakes while braking, it can be unsettling and potentially dangerous. Understanding the root cause of this issue is crucial to ensuring your safety on the road. In some cases, you can tackle the problem yourself with a few DIY fixes that don’t require extensive mechanical knowledge or specialized tools. Let’s look at two effective ways to address car shaking when braking:
Replacing Brake Rotors
If your car experiences shaking when you hit the brakes, worn-out or warped brake rotors could be the culprit. Follow these steps to replace your brake rotors:
- Secure your car on a leveled surface and engage the parking brake.
- Remove the wheel by loosening the lug nuts.
- Locate the brake caliper and remove it carefully.
- Take out the old rotor and install the new one in its place.
- Reassemble the brake components and tighten everything securely.
Installing New Brake Pads
Another DIY fix for addressing car shaking when braking is by installing new brake pads. Follow these steps to replace your brake pads:
- Secure your car and remove the wheels.
- Access the brake caliper and remove the old brake pads.
- Clean the caliper and install the new brake pads.
- Reassemble the brake components and wheel, ensuring everything is tightened correctly.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you notice your car shaking when you hit the brakes, it is important to consider inspecting your wheel bearings. Loose wheel bearings can cause your vehicle to shake while braking. Inspecting the wheel bearings involves checking for any signs of wear, such as noise, play, or roughness when rotating the wheels. If you notice any abnormalities, it is recommended to seek professional help to have the wheel bearings properly inspected and repaired if necessary.
Another potential cause of your car shaking when you hit the brakes is a faulty brake system. The most common issue is brake rotors that have varying thicknesses. Having uneven brake rotors can result in vibrations and shaking when braking.
To check the brake system, a thorough inspection of the brake rotors, brake pads, and calipers is necessary. If any of these components show signs of damage or wear, it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic for further assessment and potential replacement of the damaged parts.
Proper maintenance and timely repair of your vehicle’s wheel bearings and brake system are crucial for your safety on the road. If you experience shaking when you hit the brakes, it is recommended to seek professional help as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue can potentially lead to further damage and compromise the effectiveness of your braking system.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
When it comes to maintaining your car’s braking system, preventive maintenance is key.
Regular Brake Inspections
Schedule regular brake inspections to ensure the components are in good condition. This includes checking the rotors, brake pads, calipers, and brake fluid levels. If you notice any vibrations or shakiness when braking, it’s crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage.
Proper Wheel Alignment
Proper wheel alignment is essential to prevent your car from shaking when you hit the brakes. Misaligned wheels can put extra stress on the braking system, leading to uneven wear on the brake pads and rotors, resulting in vibrations when braking. Ensure your wheels are properly aligned to maintain a smooth and steady braking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Why Does Your Car Shake When You Hit The Brakes?
How Do I Stop My Car Shaking When I Brake?
To stop your car from shaking when braking, have your brake system checked for warped rotors. If needed, replace the damaged rotor for a smooth braking experience.
Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake From 60 To 80?
Your car shakes when braking at high speeds due to warped brake rotors, worn brake pads, loose suspension, or wheel bearings. Inspect and replace damaged parts to resolve the issue.
When I Press The Brake Pedal It Shakes?
Your car may shake when you press the brake pedal due to various reasons such as warped brake rotors, worn-out brake pads, loose wheel bearings, or loose suspension. It is important to have your brake system checked and any damaged components replaced to ensure proper braking performance.
Why Does The Wheel Shake When I Hit The Brakes?
When hitting the brakes, a shaking wheel is likely caused by warped brake rotors or damaged shocks. This can create a pulsating feeling when braking. Have the brake system inspected and replace any damaged rotor if necessary. Loose suspensions and worn brake pads could also cause this issue.
Conclusion
If your car shakes when you hit the brakes, it could be due to a few reasons. One common cause is brake rotors with varying thicknesses or drum brakes that are worn-out. Loose wheel bearings, suspension issues, and worn-out brake pads can also contribute to the shaking.
It’s important to have your brake system checked and, if necessary, replace any damaged components. By addressing these issues, you can ensure a smoother and safer driving experience.