A car is a great thing to have, seeing that it makes life easier for you. However, there are situations in which your car can be a concern.
Say, for instance, when your car shakes while braking. Few things can be as annoying as when you need to pull up at a stop sign, and your car starts shaking.
Beyond the embarrassment of driving a shaking car, there are the risks of driving a car that shakes when you brake. There is also the risk of serious car damage if the underlying issues are not diagnosed and addressed.
One thing is clear, though. There is something wrong when you notice that your car shakes when you brake.
This article explains why this happens and provides guidance on how to solve the problem. It will also provide answers to some questions you might have about the situation. Have a great read!
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore When Your Car Shakes While Braking
Ignoring vibrations while braking can lead to more serious problems and even compromise your safety. Here are the key warning signs that tell you that you need to pay attention:
#1. Vibrations in the Steering Wheel.
If your steering wheel shakes when you apply the brakes, it’s often a sign of warped brake rotors or uneven tire wear. This symptom is particularly noticeable at higher speeds and should not be overlooked, as it can worsen with time.
#2. Pulsating Brake Pedal.
A pulsing or vibrating brake pedal can indicate problems with your braking system, such as uneven rotors or worn brake pads. This sensation suggests inconsistent contact between the brake pads and rotors, which can reduce braking efficiency.
#3. Shaking or Vibrations Throughout the Vehicle.
If you feel shaking in the entire car, it could point to issues beyond the brakes, such as tire problems, wheel misalignment, or suspension faults. This symptom is especially concerning as it could affect the overall stability of your vehicle.
#4. Squeaking, Grinding, or Scraping Noises.
Noises while braking often accompany vibrations. These sounds may indicate worn-out brake pads, rusted rotors, or even a stuck caliper. Ignoring these noises can lead to severe damage, including rotor scoring.
What Causes Car Shaking When Braking?
Worn rotors are the most common cause of shaking while braking. But there are other potential reasons for the sensation, as well. Here’s a quick rundown on five possible causes for jerking while braking:
#1. Excessive lateral rotor runout or a variation in rotor thickness (warped brake rotors).
Many modern cars have disc brakes at all four corners, though some have discs in the front and drums in the rear. Pressing the brake pedal forces a pair of brake pads to squeeze against the disc-shaped rotor, creating the friction needed to stop the vehicle.
Over time, the brake rotors can develop irregularities, such as excessive runout or a variation in thickness (also known as parallelism).
Runout refers to a distortion of the rotor that causes it to wobble side-to-side as it rotates. Thickness variation, on the other hand, indicates the rotor is thicker in some spots than others.
Both concerns can prevent the pads from pressing squarely against the rotor during brake application. The result is often a shaking/pulsing sensation felt in the brake pedal.
Because the brakes mount to the wheel hub, which mounts to the steering knuckle, you may also feel shaking in the steering wheel.
#2. Out of round brake drums (if your vehicle has drum brakes).
Some vehicles still have drum brakes in the rear. With this design, when the driver presses the brake pedal, a pair of brake shoes are forced outward against a brake drum, creating friction.
Brake drums that are worn out of round can cause a shaking/pulsating sensation when the brakes are applied.
#3. Loose wheel bearings.
There is a wheel bearing behind each of your car’s wheels. Each wheel bearing allows a wheel hub, which acts as a mounting point for the wheel and tire, to turn as the vehicle is traveling down the road.
Because the wheel hub also serves as a mounting spot for the disc brake, a loose wheel bearing can lead to excessive lateral runout. As a result, you may experience a shaking sensation while braking.
#4. Worn suspension components.
In some cases, worn suspension components can cause shaking while braking. The sensation may be felt in the steering wheel and/or brake pedal.
For example, in a strut-style suspension, the brake rotor mounts to the steering knuckle, which, in turn, mounts to the strut. As such, problems with the strut assembly can cause shaking while braking.
#5. Worn brake pads.
Pulsation and shaking can occur whenever the pads don’t apply squarely against the brake rotor. That means worn pads also have the potential to cause shaking when the driver applies the brakes.
#6. Dirty brake fluid.
Brake fluid takes the force that your foot applies to the brake pedal and transmits it to the brakes.
The hydraulic fluid gradually accumulates solid and liquid contaminants that degrade its performance. Contaminated brake fluid can cause problems, including jerking movements when you engage the brakes.
#7. Bad brake calipers.
Brake calipers stop the vehicle by pressing the brake pads against the brake rotors. These critical brake parts can get stuck, develop leaks, or seize up. A faulty brake caliper can lead to the vehicle jerking while braking.
#8. ABS problems.
The anti-lock braking system keeps the wheels from locking up when you abruptly hit the brakes. If one of its parts develops an issue, the ABS might engage when it’s not supposed to do so. The unexpected pulsing in the brakes can lead to jerking, too.
Diagnosing the Problem
If your car shakes when you brake, diagnosing the issue is crucial for a safe and smooth ride. Here is how to get started:
Steps for a DIY Assessment
#1. Inspect the Brake Pads and Rotors.
- Check if the brake pads are worn or uneven.
- Look at the rotors for signs of warping, grooves, or rust.
#2. Examine the Tires.
- Inspect for uneven tread wear or damage.
- Check tire pressure and ensure it matches the recommended levels.
#3. Test at Different Speeds.
- Drive at low and high speeds, then apply the brakes.
- Note if the vibrations are consistent or more pronounced at certain speeds.
#4. Listen for Noises.
- Pay attention to squeaking, grinding, or thumping noises while braking, as these can point to specific issues.
#5. Check the Steering and Suspension.
- Look for any looseness in the steering or unusual noises when driving over bumps, as these could indicate suspension issues contributing to vibrations.
How Do I Stop My Car Shaking When I Brake?
#1. Fix Worn-Out Brake Pads.
A brake pad replacement is just within range of what a modestly experienced DIY mechanic can handle.
Though usually badly worn pads that cause the car to shake when braking also means there are problems with other components like rotors and brake calipers.
The cost to have a mechanic only replace the brake pads will range from $120 to $250 per axle. Though if the brake pads are badly worn, causing the car to shake when braking, you shouldn’t be surprised if the mechanic strongly recommends replacing the brake rotors as well.
#2. Fix Bad Brake Calipers.
If a bad brake caliper is the reason why your car shakes when braking, you’ll need to replace it as well as the brake pad. You usually need to replace both pads on that axle, and chances are good when you do that; you’ll find that the other caliper is about to go as well.
The actual physical part of replacing brake calipers and brake pads isn’t all that difficult. Though you do need to work with hydraulic lines and bleeding the brakes.
If this isn’t done correctly, the car will be unsafe to drive. This is why a lot of people choose to have a mechanic replace their bad brake calipers.
The cost of replacing your brake calipers ranges from $450 to $800 per axle.
#3. Fix Warped Brake Rotors.
Most of the time, when a car shakes when braking due to warped brake rotors, you need to replace the rotors completely.
Rotors tend to wear out roughly twice as fast on front brakes as on the back. If you’re lucky, you might only have to replace one set. Though this usually also requires replacing the brake pads as well.
If you’re handy and have the right tools, you might be able to replace your brake rotors and brake pads. This will cost you around $125 to $350 per axle for the parts. Then plan on it taking an entire afternoon to do yourself.
The cost to have a mechanic replace your brake rotors will range from $225 to $500 per axle.
#4. Fix Bad Wheel Bearings.
Replacing your own wheel bearings requires an intermediate level of skill and some special tools that not many DIY mechanics have. If you’re not experienced in this area, then it’s probably best to have a mechanic replace the bad wheel bearings.
The cost of a mechanic replacing one wheel bearing ranges from $225 to $350 per wheel.
#5. Fix Worn-Out Struts.
The only want to fix worn-out struts is to have them replaced. Usually, when one strut goes on one side of the car, the other strut on the other side is also bad or about to go. So, it makes sense to have both replaced.
With most vehicles, the front struts wear out twice as fast as the rear, as they bear more weight and endure more stress when braking.
Usually, it’s best to have a mechanic replace your struts, as there might also be problems with the control arm bushings, stabilizer bar end links, and ball joints.
The cost to replace struts usually runs between $150 to $400 per strut, with the cost of the parts being higher on larger, heavier vehicles. At the very least, you’ll have to replace two struts, probably in the front.
Can I drive if my vehicle shakes while braking?
No, it’s best to avoid driving if your vehicle is shaking. To be absolutely clear, it’s perfectly fine to drive your vehicle to the nearest mechanic if you can maintain control and you go slow with your hazards on.
But you cannot keep driving as you normally would if there’s something wrong with your braking ability. If you lose the ability to brake or the shaking gets extreme enough, you could lose control of your vehicle and risk crashing.
- You may also be doing serious damage to your axles and braking system, as well. Hire a tow truck to avoid doing irreparable damage.
FAQs.
Q: Is It Bad If My Car Shakes When I Brake?
Yes, it is. Your car shakes when you brake because something is wrong with one of the numerous systems that work in tandem to keep your car functioning optimally.
Some of the issues that can cause your vehicle to shake include bad brake rotors, poorly lubricated guide pins, worn-out brake pads, and wheel alignment issues. Any of these issues could quickly escalate if not addressed promptly.
Q: Can Wheel Alignment Cause Vibration When Braking?
Yes, it most definitely can. When your car’s wheels are poorly aligned, they do not move in sync, causing your vehicle to vibrate when you step on the brakes.
The vibration is often accompanied by squealing sounds when the poorly aligned wheels rub against the brake pads. Ensure you check your wheel alignment whenever you notice your car vibrating while braking.
Q: Why Is My Car Pulsating?
Your car is pulsating for several reasons. The primary reasons your vehicle is pulsating are wheel alignment and tire issues. Things like poorly fastened lug nuts, damaged wheels, poorly balanced tires, and tires with separated tire treads can make your car pulsate.
Another reason is when your car’s suspension or steering system components are loose. Your car pulsates when these components are misaligned.
Broken or loose engine/transmission mounts, axle issues, and bad brake rotors can also cause your car to pulsate. When you notice your vehicle pulsating, your best bet is to have a mechanic inspect it to determine exactly what is causing it.
Final Words
You probably found this article because you ran an internet search using the query “car squeak when I brake”.
If you’ve read the article this far, you probably have some answers. Identifying why your car shakes when braking and accelerating is great, but you might want to have a technician check it.
This is because an experienced technician should quickly diagnose the reason for your car shaking when you brake.
Thankfully, resolving brake-related issues is relatively inexpensive and can be handled quickly. That said, once you notice that your car shakes when braking, you must do something about it as soon as you can.