How do you fix shaking when braking?
Experiencing shaking or vibrations when you apply the brakes can be a concerning issue for any driver. This problem not only affects your comfort while driving but can also indicate underlying safety concerns. In this article, we will explore the common causes of brake shaking and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to address this issue effectively.
Common Causes of Brake Shaking
Understanding the reasons behind brake shaking is crucial for effective troubleshooting. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Warped Brake Rotors: One of the leading causes of shaking when braking is warped brake rotors. This can occur due to excessive heat buildup from prolonged braking, leading to uneven surfaces.
- Worn Brake Pads: If your brake pads are worn unevenly, they can cause vibrations when they make contact with the rotors.
- Improper Wheel Alignment: Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear and affect how your vehicle handles, especially during braking.
- Suspension Issues: Problems with your vehicle's suspension system can also contribute to shaking when braking, as they affect how weight is distributed during the braking process.
Steps to Fix Shaking When Braking
If you're experiencing shaking when braking, follow these steps to diagnose and potentially fix the issue:
- Inspect the Brake Rotors: Start by checking the condition of your brake rotors. Look for signs of warping or uneven wear. If they are warped, they may need to be resurfaced or replaced.
- Check Brake Pads: Examine your brake pads for wear. If they are worn down, replace them to ensure even contact with the rotors.
- Evaluate Wheel Alignment: Have your vehicle's alignment checked. If it's off, a professional can realign your wheels to improve handling and reduce shaking.
- Inspect Suspension Components: Look for any signs of wear or damage in your suspension system. Components like struts, shocks, and control arms should be in good condition to maintain stability.
- Test Drive: After making any repairs or adjustments, take your vehicle for a test drive to see if the shaking persists. If it does, further investigation may be necessary.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you're not comfortable performing these checks or if the shaking continues after your attempts to fix it, it's essential to seek professional help. A qualified mechanic can provide a thorough inspection and recommend the best course of action to ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable.
At Kevin's Autos, we have years of experience in car maintenance and repair. Our team is ready to assist you with any issues you may encounter, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a full brake job cost?
A complete brake repair that includes pads, rotors, and calipers typically averages between $200 and $800 depending on the vehicle and parts used.
Why does my car shake when I brake but not the rotors?
However, there can be many causes for a shaking steering wheel, and not all of them pertain to your rotors. Improper tire balance, stuck brake calipers, and even suspension problems can all cause you to feel vibrations in your steering wheel.
Why does my car shake when I'm at a stop?
Motor Mounts. Motor mounts keep your engine attached to the car. Weak or broken mounts can't hold the engine tight in the engine compartment and creates a vibration at idle. If the shaking subsides when the car is in Neutral, this could indicate the motor mounts are responsible for the vibrations.
Can bad ball joints cause shaking while braking?
Bad ball joints and tie rods can show up as vibrations during braking or turning. Also, a defective CV joint can cause car shakes at high speeds or while braking. Remember that the symptoms can be similar to what you'd feel from an unbalanced wheel, so be sure to thoroughly investigate the cause.
How to fix shudder when braking?
A new set of brake pads may be the easiest way to address your vehicle's brake shudder. However, in some cases replacing your brake rotors or having them resurfaced will fix the brake shudder. If you're replacing brake rotors, it is recommended you also consider replacing the brake pads as well.
How much does it cost to fix shaky brakes?
If you experience vibrations when braking, address the issue immediately. How much does it cost to fix a shaking brake? The cost to fix a shaking brake varies depending on the cause. Replacing brake pads and rotors may cost between $150 to $300 per axle, while more extensive repairs can be higher.
How do you put shudder fix on a transmission?
Use a pair of scissors. Or Snips to cut open the tube. Then use a funnel to help pour the instant shutter fix into the transmission. The vehicle can be warm or cold.
How do I stop my car shaking when I brake?
How to fix the shaking issue. First, make sure each of your tires doesn't have any worn parts. If your tires are badly worn, then it's time to change your tires. If your car is vibrating because of the worn brake rotors and pads, take your car to a professional repair shop to have them replaced or fixed.
How to tell if rotors are bad?
Some common symptoms of bad rotors include vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel, high-pitched squealing noise when braking, shaking steering wheel, brake pedal pulsing, vehicle taking a long time to stop, loud bangs while braking, large edges on the outer part of the brake rotor, and scratch marks on the rotor.
Is it OK to drive with brake shudder?
If your shuddering brakes are being caused by damaged or worn brake pads or discs, continuing to drive your car is very dangerous. If you continue to drive with worn-out pads, your braking performance will deteriorate further.
