Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake? Causes and Solutions
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For most of us, it's easy to take certain things for granted, like your alarm going off in the morning, hot water in the shower, and your car working as expected. Still, surprises can and do happen. For example, when braking on your way to work, your car suddenly starts shaking.
This guide answers the question, "Why does my car shake when I brake?" and offers tips on what you can do about it.
Understanding Braking Vibrations
As with most car problems, there are several possible reasons your car shakes when braking. The braking system uses several parts to create friction, with the brake pedal, pads, and rotors being the primary components. If anything is wrong with any of these elements, it can disrupt the system's smooth operation.
Other systems or parts can contribute to vibrations or car shakes when braking, such as misalignment issues, old and worn tires, or suspension problems. Still, the most likely culprit is somewhere in the braking system, like with the rotors, pads, or calipers.
Warped Brake Rotors: A Common Cause
Brake rotors are the metal discs attached to your vehicle's wheels. They work with the brake pads to stop your car. The rotors can warp when exposed to frequent hard braking, stop-and-go traffic, or overuse of worn pads. The warping occurs because of the excessive heat generated during braking under these conditions.
Warped brake rotors can cause car shakes when you brake because the uneven surface causes them to not stay in constant contact with the pads. The shaking, which feels like a pulsing sensation, is most notable in the steering wheel and brake pedal.
While warping is a common reason your car shakes when you brake, typical car insurance coverage won't cover the repair. Most policies don't cover routine brake maintenance. That said, your policy might cover the repair if the damage is part of a larger claim, like a car accident or another covered peril. Coverage depends on your policy.
Worn or Damaged Brake Pads
Worn or damaged brake pads are another common reason for car shakes. The pads are the part of the system that creates the friction necessary for braking. While warped rotors create an uneven braking surface because of the bends in the metal, worn or damaged pads allow for inconsistent contact from uneven wear on the friction surface.
If the friction surface wears down enough to expose the metal backing plate, it can cause harsher vibrations and grinding noises. Excessive wear down can also contribute to rotor warping and further damage to the system.
Loose or Malfunctioning Calipers
A third possible reason your car may shake when braking is the brake calipers and inadequate pressure. The calipers hold or house the brake pads and are responsible for squeezing them against the rotors when you apply the brake pedal. They are responsible for your car's braking force.
If your car shakes when you brake, it could mean your car's calipers are sticking and not applying consistent force to the pads. Inconsistent force, as with the pads and rotors, can cause shaking.
The primary cause of sticking is bad or low brake fluid. Old brake fluid can cause corrosion of the caliper pistons. A leak can mean there isn't enough fluid to provide adequate pressure to the brake pads.
While asking why your car shakes when you brake is a fair question, it's better to focus on how to fix the problem. A brake service can help you identify the cause and solution of car shakes when braking.
Other Potential Causes of Braking Vibrations
When braking, car shakes often result from problems in the braking mechanisms, but that isn't always the case. Sometimes, shaking can result from wheel misalignment, damaged suspension components, or tire problems.
Wheel Alignment
Tire alignment, also called wheel alignment, is the process of balancing wheels with the suspension system to ensure proper contact with the road. If tires aren't aligned correctly and at the right angles, your car can pull to one side, leading to premature wear of the tire treads and vibrations when driving. Misaligned tires can also cause uneven braking force when stopping, resulting in shaking.
Suspension Problems
Suspension systems are critical to stability, including during braking. Components like shocks, bushings, ball joints, axles, and tie rods contribute to smooth acceleration, deceleration, and a balanced driving experience. When these components wear down, they can cause vibrations. For example, a bent or broken axle shaft can cause uneven force when braking, leading to noticeable shakes when slowing down.
Tire Problems
Why your car shakes when braking may have nothing to do with the suspension or braking system. The explanation could be as straightforward as bad or unbalanced tires. Whether from normal tread wear or damage, uneven tire rotation can cause shaking. While tire wear and damage can cause vibration while accelerating and maintaining speeds, shaking is likely most noticeable during deceleration or braking.
How To Diagnose Braking Issues
The best way to diagnose why your car shakes when you brake is with a professional inspection. The braking system is too important to safety to trust DIY solutions — unless, of course, you are a licensed mechanic.
Preventative Maintenance for a Smooth Braking System
Insurance for car repairs is usually restricted to damage caused by accidents. Brake system issues typically fall under normal wear and tear, so most policies don't cover it.
So, to protect your system and wallet, schedule regular inspections with a licensed mechanic. Make sure the inspection covers fluid level, caliper, pad, and rotor inspections. Also, keep the brakes and wheels clean.
Drive Confidently With the Right Car Insurance
While most policies don't cover normal wear and tear on brakes, you still want comprehensive coverage to protect you in the event of accidents, whether car-related or not. Check out EverQuote to compare several top insurers and their quotes.