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Why does my Toyota shake when braking?

If your Toyota vehicle is experiencing shaking or vibration when braking, it could be caused by a few different issues. The most common 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


Over time, the brake pads on your Toyota will naturally wear down through regular use. As the pads wear thin, they can cause the brake calipers to rub against the brake rotors, leading to a shaking or vibrating sensation when you apply the brakes. To fix this, you'll need to have your brake pads inspected and replaced if they are excessively worn.


Warped Brake Rotors


Another common cause of brake shaking is warped or uneven brake rotors. This can happen if the rotors become overheated, such as from heavy braking or towing. When the rotors are warped, they don't make even contact with the brake pads, causing the shaking feeling. To address this, the brake rotors will need to be resurfaced or replaced.


Suspension Issues


Problems with your Toyota's suspension system can also contribute to brake shaking. If the suspension components like the shocks, struts, or ball joints are worn out, it can cause the vehicle to shake or vibrate when braking. Inspecting and replacing any worn suspension parts may help resolve the brake shaking issue.


If you're experiencing persistent brake shaking in your Toyota, it's best to have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle and diagnose the root cause. Addressing the problem promptly can help prevent further damage and ensure your brakes are functioning safely.

How do I fix 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 a brake shudder?


THE SOLUTION: If there's only minimal DTV, it may be sufficient to remove the deposits using a brush or sandpaper and road test the brakes. If this has not realigned the surfaces, the only solution is to replace the brake pads and rotors.



How serious is brake shudder?


Brake shuddering is a signal that your braking or suspension system needs attention. Don't ignore the warning signs and have your vehicle inspected right away. Brake judder makes handling your vehicle more difficult and may pose a danger to yourself or others if it worsens.



Why does my Toyota shake when I brake?


It has to do with the brake rotor and pad having uneven wear overtime. The rotor and pad would begin to have grooves on them and when those grooves gets deeper and deeper and more and more ``misalign'' between the rotor and pad, that's what causes the shake.



How to tell if brake rotors are bad?


Kind of on the inside and the outside of the rotor. No big deal really I wouldn't be replacing. A brake rotor just for that. But then if you roll over to the inside of that rotor.



Do unbalanced tires shake when braking?


Oftentimes the vibrations in your vehicle can be explained by something as simple as an unevenly worn or unbalanced tire. If your alignment is off, certain tires may wear faster than others and this uneven wear can lead to the vehicle vibrating or shaking slightly when braking.



Why does my car shake when I brake but not the rotors?


Loose wheel bearings, loose suspension, and worn-out brake pads can also cause your vehicle to shake while braking. A pulsating or shaking brake pedal can affect braking performance, which can compromise vehicle safety. This vibration issue should be addressed as soon as possible.



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.



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 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.


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.