Car Shaking When I Brake? Causes And Fixes

Driving a car can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be frustrating when you encounter issues that affect the performance and safety of your vehicle. One common problem that many car owners face is a car shaking when they brake. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from worn-out brake pads to misaligned wheels. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the world of car shaking when braking and explore the possible causes, symptoms, and solutions to this problem.

Car shaking when braking can be a concerning issue, as it can indicate a serious problem with your vehicle’s braking system. If left unchecked, it can lead to a loss of control while driving, which can result in accidents and injuries. Therefore, it is essential to identify the cause of the problem and address it promptly. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about car shaking when braking, from the possible causes to the solutions and preventive measures.

Causes of Car Shaking When Braking

The car shaking when braking issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Worn-out Brake Pads

Worn-out brake pads are one of the most common causes of car shaking when braking. When brake pads wear out, they can cause the brake rotor to vibrate, leading to a shaking sensation in the car. This can be caused by driving habits, such as driving aggressively or riding the brakes, or by neglecting to replace the brake pads when they are worn out.

Signs of worn-out brake pads include:

  • Squealing or grinding noises when braking
  • Vibration or shaking when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance

Misaligned Wheels

Misaligned wheels can cause the car to vibrate or shake when braking, especially if the wheels are not properly balanced. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including potholes, curbs, or uneven road surfaces.

Signs of misaligned wheels include:

  • Vibration or shaking when driving or braking
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Difficulty steering or turning
  • Unusual noises when driving or braking

Brake Rotor Warpage

Brake rotor warpage can cause the car to vibrate or shake when braking, especially if the rotor is severely warped. This can be caused by driving habits, such as driving aggressively or riding the brakes, or by neglecting to replace the brake pads when they are worn out.

Signs of brake rotor warpage include:

  • Vibration or shaking when braking
  • Grinding or screeching noises when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance

Loose or Worn-out Brake Hardware

Loose or Worn-out Brake Hardware

Loose or worn-out brake hardware can cause the car to vibrate or shake when braking. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out brake calipers, brake hoses, or brake lines.

Signs of loose or worn-out brake hardware include: (See Also: Which Way to Turn Drum Brake Adjuster? The Ultimate Guide)

  • Vibration or shaking when braking
  • Grinding or screeching noises when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance

Low Brake Fluid Level

A low brake fluid level can cause the car to vibrate or shake when braking. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a leak in the brake system or worn-out brake pads.

Signs of low brake fluid level include:

  • Vibration or shaking when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance
  • Grinding or screeching noises when braking

Other Causes

Other causes of car shaking when braking include:

  • Tire imbalance or misalignment
  • Worn-out or damaged wheel bearings
  • Loose or worn-out suspension components
  • Incorrectly inflated tires

Symptoms of Car Shaking When Braking

The symptoms of car shaking when braking can vary depending on the cause of the problem. However, some common symptoms include:

Vibration or Shaking

The most common symptom of car shaking when braking is a vibration or shaking sensation in the car. This can be felt through the steering wheel, seat, or floor.

Other symptoms of car shaking when braking include:

  • Grinding or screeching noises when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance
  • Unusual noises when driving or braking

Grinding or Screeching Noises

Grinding or screeching noises when braking are another common symptom of car shaking when braking. These noises can be caused by worn-out brake pads or a warped brake rotor.

Other symptoms of grinding or screeching noises when braking include:

  • Vibration or shaking when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance
  • Unusual noises when driving or braking

Solutions to Car Shaking When Braking

The solutions to car shaking when braking depend on the cause of the problem. However, some common solutions include:

Replacing Worn-out Brake Pads

Replacing worn-out brake pads is a common solution to car shaking when braking. This can be done by a professional mechanic or by the car owner themselves. (See Also: What Is a Dual Air Brake System Cdl? Explained)

Signs of worn-out brake pads include:

  • Squealing or grinding noises when braking
  • Vibration or shaking when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance

Aligning Wheels

Aligning wheels is another common solution to car shaking when braking. This can be done by a professional mechanic or by the car owner themselves.

Signs of misaligned wheels include:

  • Vibration or shaking when driving or braking
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Difficulty steering or turning
  • Unusual noises when driving or braking

Replacing Brake Rotor

Replacing a warped brake rotor is a common solution to car shaking when braking. This can be done by a professional mechanic or by the car owner themselves.

Signs of brake rotor warpage include:

  • Vibration or shaking when braking
  • Grinding or screeching noises when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance

Preventive Measures

Preventing car shaking when braking requires regular maintenance of the car’s braking system. Some common preventive measures include:

Regular Brake Pad Replacement

Regular brake pad replacement is a common preventive measure to car shaking when braking. This can be done by a professional mechanic or by the car owner themselves.

Signs of worn-out brake pads include:

  • Squealing or grinding noises when braking
  • Vibration or shaking when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance

Regular Wheel Alignment

Regular wheel alignment is another common preventive measure to car shaking when braking. This can be done by a professional mechanic or by the car owner themselves.

Signs of misaligned wheels include:

  • Vibration or shaking when driving or braking
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Difficulty steering or turning
  • Unusual noises when driving or braking

Regular Brake Fluid Check

Regular brake fluid check is a common preventive measure to car shaking when braking. This can be done by a professional mechanic or by the car owner themselves. (See Also: Why Is My Brake Light On? – Find Out Now)

Signs of low brake fluid level include:

  • Vibration or shaking when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distance
  • Grinding or screeching noises when braking

Recap

In conclusion, car shaking when braking is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out brake pads, misaligned wheels, brake rotor warpage, and loose or worn-out brake hardware. The symptoms of car shaking when braking can vary depending on the cause of the problem, but common symptoms include vibration or shaking, grinding or screeching noises, and soft or spongy brake pedal. The solutions to car shaking when braking depend on the cause of the problem, but common solutions include replacing worn-out brake pads, aligning wheels, and replacing brake rotors. Preventive measures to car shaking when braking include regular brake pad replacement, regular wheel alignment, and regular brake fluid check.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the common causes of car shaking when braking?

A: The common causes of car shaking when braking include worn-out brake pads, misaligned wheels, brake rotor warpage, and loose or worn-out brake hardware.

Q: What are the symptoms of car shaking when braking?

A: The symptoms of car shaking when braking can vary depending on the cause of the problem, but common symptoms include vibration or shaking, grinding or screeching noises, and soft or spongy brake pedal.

Q: How can I prevent car shaking when braking?

A: Preventing car shaking when braking requires regular maintenance of the car’s braking system. This includes regular brake pad replacement, regular wheel alignment, and regular brake fluid check.

Q: Can I replace my brake pads myself?

A: Yes, you can replace your brake pads yourself, but it is recommended to seek the help of a professional mechanic if you are not familiar with brake pad replacement.

Q: How often should I replace my brake pads?

A: The frequency of brake pad replacement depends on the type of vehicle and driving habits. It is recommended to replace brake pads every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.