Does your car or steering wheel shake when you apply the brakes? Learn what’s causing this issue and how to resolve it with this guide.
Key Takeaways
- If your car shakes while braking, it could be caused by a variety of issues such as unbalanced tires, damaged brake pads, warped rotors, stuck brake calipers, alignment issues, or suspension problems.
- Identifying key symptoms like steering wheel vibrations, unusual noises, and pulling to one side can help you pinpoint the issue.
- Drive safely and prevent further damage by taking your car to a mechanic if it’s experiencing any of these issues.
1. Unbalanced Tires
If your car shakes when you brake, worn or unbalanced tires could be the cause. Balanced tires are an important part of safe driving, as they ensure your vehicle’s weight is balanced evenly for a smooth experience. Unbalanced tires can negatively affect your car’s suspension, fuel economy, and tire wear. Symptoms of unbalanced tires include vibrations and steering challenges while braking; humming, buzzing, or thumping sounds that are more noticeable at high speeds; and your vehicle pulling to one side. Getting your tires rotated regularly (every 3,000 to 5,000 miles), replacing worn tires, and professional maintenance can remedy this issue.
2. Damaged Brake Pad Components
If you hear squeaking or grinding noises when you brake, it might be an issue with your brake pads. Brake pads are regularly replaced components that wear down over time with normal use. If your brake pads get too thin, your vehicle may experience a decrease in braking effectiveness, increased braking distances, shaking or vibrations in the pedal, and grinding while braking. Replace your brake pads based on the guidelines in your car’s manual. However, if it doesn’t specify, it’s generally recommended to replace them every 50,000 miles.
3. Rotor Issues
If your steering wheel and brakes are shaking at the same time, it could indicate an issue with your disc brake’s rotors. Essentially, a rotor is a brake disk that helps slow your vehicle when stopping. However, if your rotor is warped or has a variation in thickness, this can cause shaking when you apply the brakes. If this is the case, have a qualified mechanic replace your rotor.
4. Stuck Brake Calipers
Your brake caliper is designed to push your brake pads against the rotor to help stop your vehicle. If your calipers aren’t working properly, you may notice vibrations in your steering wheel and unusual noises when braking. In addition, if your caliper is stuck to one side, your vehicle may pull to the side while braking. A mechanic can diagnose and repair the issue so you can get back on the road safely.
5. Alignment Problems
Wheel alignment problems can cause your car to shake while braking and veer to one side. Additional symptoms of poor alignment include a loose or unresponsive steering wheel, a bumpy or unstable ride, and tires that wear unevenly or rapidly. In addition, these issues can also damage important suspension components. Fix your issue with a professional wheel alignment service.
6. Suspension Problems
If your car vibrates and shakes while braking or driving normally, your suspension may be the culprit. Your car’s suspension components can wear down over time, especially if you drive over rough or rocky terrain. Bouncing while going over bumps, leaning to one side, and making unusual noises are all signs of suspension issues. Have your suspension checked by a mechanic before driving again.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your car in for repairs to stay safe and prevent costlier issues down the road. Looking for more information on car maintenance? Explore all articles on The General’s blog.
