Why does my Ford shake when I brake?
If your Ford vehicle is shaking when you apply the brakes, it could be due to a few common issues. The most likely causes are worn brake pads, warped brake rotors, or problems with the suspension system. Let's take a closer look at each of these potential problems and how to address them.
Worn Brake Pads
One of the most common reasons for brake shaking is worn brake pads. As the brake pads wear down over time, the metal backing plate can come into contact with the brake rotor, causing a vibration or shaking sensation. This is a sign that it's time to replace the brake pads. Replacing the brake pads is a relatively straightforward and inexpensive repair that can be done by a mechanic or even by a skilled DIY-er.
Warped Brake Rotors
Another potential cause of brake shaking is warped or uneven brake rotors. The brake rotors are the metal discs that the brake pads clamp down on to slow and stop the vehicle. If the rotors become warped or unevenly worn, it can cause the brake pads to pulsate against the rotor surface, leading to a shaking sensation. Warped rotors will typically need to be resurfaced or replaced to fix the issue.
Suspension Problems
Issues with the vehicle's suspension system can also contribute to brake shaking. If the suspension components, such as the shocks, struts, or control arms, are worn or damaged, it can cause the wheels to move unevenly when braking, leading to a shaking sensation. Inspecting and replacing any worn suspension components may be necessary to resolve the brake shaking.
If you're experiencing brake shaking in your Ford, it's important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue can lead to further damage and more expensive repairs down the line. By addressing the root cause of the shaking, whether it's worn brake pads, warped rotors, or suspension problems, you can restore smooth, reliable braking performance to your Ford.
Is it safe to drive a car that shakes when I brake?
Driving downhill with a shaking brake system can increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle, especially on steep grades. It's advisable to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and resolve the issue.
How do you fix shaking when braking?
The cure is to bed the brakes to leave a uniform layer on the rotors. Cutting (or replacing) the rotors can also help by eliminating the uneven layer of deposits, although it's a good idea to then bed the brakes to prevent the problem from recurring.
Will ball joints cause vibration when 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.
Why does my Ford truck shake when I brake?
- Warped Brake Rotors : One of the most common reasons for shaking during braking is warped brake rotors.
- Worn Brake Pads : If your brake pads are worn unevenly or are nearing the end of their lifespan, they may not grip the rotors properly, causing shaking.
- Brake Caliper Issues
- Suspension Problems
Will an alignment fix shaking when braking?
Unevenly work or misaligned tires can, thus, cause a car to shake when braking. Sometimes, tires will only require alignment or another service like tire rotation. Other times, you may need new tires. Tire alignment is usually checked during a routine tire rotation, which should be performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
What can cause brake shudder?
Brake shudder can be caused by a number of things including damaged rotors, malfunctioning calipers, or new brake pads that have not been properly broken in after replacement. The source of where the shudder is felt can clue you in as to whether the front or rear brakes are to blame for the shudder.
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.
Can bad rotors cause shaking when braking?
Unlike other vehicle problems, warped rotors will only cause your vehicle to shake when you are braking. If you are experiencing shaking during acceleration, you likely have a different vehicle issue, such as an alignment or balancing concern (more on these below).
Why is my Ford F150 shaking?
The most probable cause of the vibrating generally happens in the vicinity of your car's tires and wheels. The tires and rims connect your car to the road, and if anything is broken, you are going to feel it. It might be a broken transmission mount or a broken control arm.
Why does my car shake when I brake but not the rotors?
Vibration while braking is usually caused by warped rotors, but it's unlikely the new ones are bad. It can also be caused by defective tires that distort under the rotational force of braking. Since most of the braking is done by the front tires, try rotating the tires front-to-back.
