How to fix car shaking when braking?
Experiencing your car shaking when you hit the brakes can be both alarming and frustrating. This issue is not only uncomfortable but can also indicate underlying problems that need immediate attention to ensure your safety on the road. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen this issue countless times and are here to guide you through the possible causes and solutions.
Common Causes of Car Shaking When Braking
Car shaking during braking is often a symptom of problems with the braking system or other related components. Here are the most common causes:
- Warped Brake Rotors: Over time, brake rotors can become uneven due to excessive heat or wear, causing vibrations when the brake pads press against them.
- Worn Brake Pads: If your brake pads are worn out or uneven, they may not grip the rotors properly, leading to shaking.
- Loose or Damaged Suspension Components: Issues with suspension parts, such as control arms or bushings, can amplify vibrations during braking.
- Wheel Alignment Issues: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven braking forces, resulting in shaking.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Tires with uneven tread wear can create instability when braking.
Steps to Fix the Problem
Addressing car shaking when braking requires a systematic approach to identify and resolve the root cause. Here’s what you can do:
- Inspect the Brake Rotors: Check for signs of warping or uneven wear. If the rotors are damaged, they may need to be resurfaced or replaced.
- Replace Worn Brake Pads: If the brake pads are thin or uneven, replace them with new ones. Ensure they are compatible with your vehicle’s braking system.
- Check Suspension Components: Have a professional inspect the suspension system for any loose or damaged parts that could contribute to vibrations.
- Perform a Wheel Alignment: Misaligned wheels should be corrected to ensure even braking forces and smooth operation.
- Inspect and Rotate Tires: Check for uneven tire wear and rotate or replace tires as needed to maintain balance and stability.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some minor issues can be addressed at home, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic if you’re unsure about the cause of the problem or lack the tools and expertise to fix it. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing brake-related issues, ensuring your car is safe and roadworthy.
Preventing Future Issues
To avoid car shaking when braking in the future, follow these maintenance tips:
- Regularly inspect and maintain your braking system, including pads and rotors.
- Keep your tires properly inflated and rotate them as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
- Schedule routine wheel alignments to prevent uneven wear and instability.
- Address any suspension issues promptly to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
Car shaking when braking is a common issue that can often be resolved with proper maintenance and timely repairs. By understanding the potential causes and taking the necessary steps to address them, you can ensure a smoother and safer driving experience. If you’re in need of professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service. We’re here to keep your car running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
