Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?
Have you ever felt your car shake when you hit the brakes? While it’s usually not something to worry about, sometimes this shaking can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Here are a few of the most common reasons why your car might shake when you brake:
1. Rotors Are Warped
When the rotors on your car are warped or damaged somehow, it can cause your car to shake when stopping. This is because the rotors, which are a metal disc, are not easily moved by the brake pads and cause a vibration when you hit the brakes. You can identify a damaged rotor when the stopping power is poor or if the car shakes or vibrates when braking.
2. Brake Pads Are Excessively Worn
Brake pads wear down over time, and when they get too worn, they can cause your car to vibrate when braking. This is because the metal of the brake pads can’t grip properly on the metal of the rotors.
3. Wheel Bearing Is Failing
The wheel bearing is an essential part of your car’s suspension. If the bearing is worn out or damaged, it can cause your car to shake when you brake. This is because the bearing is an integral part of your car’s suspension, and when it starts to fail, it causes instability.
4. Tire Imbalance
If you have unbalanced tires, it can cause your car to shake when you brake. This is because the tires are vibrating when you hit the brakes and this causes the whole car to vibrate. To fix this issue, you will need to have your wheels rebalanced.
5. Uneven Brake Pad Thickness
If your brake pads are not of even thickness, it can cause your car to shake when you brake. This is because the pads are not applying even pressure when you press on the brakes. To fix this issue, you will need to have your brake pads replaced.
What To Do Now?
If your car is shaking when you brake, you will want to get it checked out as soon as possible. There are many different causes of this problem and the sooner you address them, the better. Here are some tips to help you:
Have your rotors checked: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the rotors for warp or damage.Check the brake pads: Have a mechanic check the brake pads for wear or unevenness.Inspect the wheel bearing: If the wheel bearing is worn or damaged, it can cause a vibration.Have the tires balanced: Unbalanced tires can cause a vibration when driving.Replace the brake pads: If the brake pads are not of even thickness, have them replaced.
Determining why your car is shaking when you brake can also help you pinpoint more serious issues, so it’s important to get it checked out right away.
