When your car shakes when braking, it is typically due to issues with the braking system or related components. The most common causes include:
- Warped or worn brake rotors: Over time, brake rotors can develop uneven thickness or warping, leading to pulsations or shaking felt in the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking. This happens because the brake pads do not grip the rotor evenly, causing vibration upon braking.
- Worn brake pads: If brake pads are unevenly worn or contaminated with dirt and debris, they can cause the car to shake when braking.
- Stuck or faulty brake calipers: When calipers do not properly press the brake pads against the rotors or get stuck, it can cause uneven braking force and shaking.
- Loose or damaged wheel bearings: These can cause excess lateral movement of the wheels, which contributes to vibrations during braking.
- Suspension problems: Worn suspension components such as control arms or ball joints may also cause shaking when braking as they affect wheel stability.
- Tire issues: Unbalanced tires, uneven tire wear, or bad alignment can cause shaking, especially noticeable when braking at higher speeds.
In general, if the shaking begins when you apply the brakes and stops when you release them, the braking system is likely the source of the issue. Commonly, warped brake rotors are cited as the main culprit, but it can also be related to the pads or calipers needing replacement or repair. It is important to address this problem promptly since shaking during braking can affect vehicle control and safety. A professional inspection and repair, such as rotor resurfacing or replacement, brake pad change, caliper servicing, or wheel alignment, is advisable depending on the underlying cause.
If you want, I can also provide some guidance on how to check for warped rotors or other components yourself.
