Loading

How to fix car shaking when braking?

If your car is shaking when you apply the brakes, it could be caused by a variety of issues, from worn brake components to problems with your vehicle's suspension. Addressing the root cause of the shaking is important to ensure safe and reliable braking performance. In this article, we'll explore the common reasons for car shaking when braking and provide step-by-step guidance on how to fix the problem.


Common Causes of Car Shaking When Braking


There are several potential reasons why your car may be shaking when you apply the brakes. Some of the most common causes include:



  • Worn or Uneven Brake Pads: Over time, brake pads can become worn down, leading to uneven braking and causing the car to shake. This is one of the most common causes of this issue.

  • Warped Brake Rotors: The brake rotors, which the brake pads press against, can become warped or uneven, leading to vibrations and shaking during braking.

  • Loose or Worn Suspension Components: Issues with the suspension system, such as worn ball joints, tie rods, or control arms, can cause the car to shake when braking.

  • Unbalanced Wheels: If your wheels are not properly balanced, it can cause the car to shake, especially during braking.

  • Tire Issues: Worn, damaged, or improperly inflated tires can also contribute to car shaking when braking.


Identifying the root cause of the shaking is the first step in resolving the issue.


Steps to Fix Car Shaking When Braking


Here are the steps you can take to fix the car shaking when braking:



  1. Inspect the Brake System: Start by visually inspecting the brake pads, rotors, and calipers. Look for signs of wear, such as uneven pad wear or warped rotors. If the brake components are worn, they will need to be replaced.

  2. Check the Suspension: Inspect the suspension components, including the ball joints, tie rods, and control arms, for any signs of wear or damage. If any of these components are loose or worn, they will need to be repaired or replaced.

  3. Balance the Wheels: If the wheels are not properly balanced, it can cause the car to shake when braking. Take the car to a tire shop and have the wheels balanced.

  4. Inspect the Tires: Check the tires for any signs of wear, damage, or improper inflation. Replace any tires that are worn or damaged, and ensure that all tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure.

  5. Test Drive and Repeat as Needed: After making the necessary repairs, take the car for a test drive to see if the shaking has been resolved. If the issue persists, repeat the inspection and repair process until the problem is fixed.


By following these steps, you should be able to identify and address the root cause of the car shaking when braking, ensuring safe and reliable braking performance.

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 should a full brake job cost?


Professional Repair Costs
This typically includes between $35 and $150 for the brake pads themselves and around $80 to $120 for labor per axle. If you're replacing rotors along with the pads, the cost increases to between $250 and $500 per axle.



How much does it cost to fix shaking brakes?


So, plan to purchase new pads and new rotors together. Each aftermarket rotor costs an average of $30 to $75. Labor to service brakes can run from $90 to $200 per hour. Brake service generally runs approximately $200 to $500 per axle at a professional center.



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.



Is it safe to drive with vibrating brakes?


When your brake pads are pressing against a warped rotor, this will cause shaking or vibrations to run through your vehicle. Beyond just the inconvenience of shaking, this can raise safety concerns and create trouble for your brakes.



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.



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 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.



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.



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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.