Unless you’re David Hasselhoff in Knight Rider, chances are that your car can’t talk. But that doesn’t mean it can’t communicate! From warning lights to vibrations; there are many ways your vehicle might tell you that something isn’t quite right. So if your car shakes when braking, what is it trying to tell you?
Shaking and shuddering – or even your car lurching forward – when braking could be a symptom of a number of underlying problems; none of which should be ignored! Let’s take a look at the three most common reasons why your car shakes when braking.
Reasons why you car shakes when braking
1. Worn or dirty brake pads
If your brake pads are coming to the end of their lifespan, or have become contaminated by dirt or oil, they may cause vibration when gripping the rotor. Excessively worn brake pads may also emit a high-pitched squeal or whine when activated.
The fix? If brake pads are the root cause of why your car shakes when braking, it’s time for replacement. How often should brake pads be changed? In general, brake pads should be replaced after approximately 80,000km, but this can vary depending on the vehicle you’re driving, your driving habits and the conditions you drive in. If your car is shuddering or shaking – it’s time for a change!
2. Brake rotor and disc thickness variation
One of the most common causes of brake shudder is a variation in disc thickness. When the brake rotor oscillates, it can wear down certain points on the disc more so than others, resulting in a variation in thickness around its diameter that causes a shudder you can feel through the steering wheel. If disc thickness variation is severe, you’ll even feel it through the brake pedal as you apply pressure.
The fix? In the first instance, cleaning the hub and rotor surfaces is the best way to prevent disc thickness variation. But if you’re feeling the shudder, then it’s likely that it’s time for rotor resurfacing or replacement.
3. Wheel alignment issues
If you’re feeling that shaking and shuddering occasionally when travelling at speed as well as when you apply the brakes, there’s a good chance that your wheels are not well-aligned. This is particularly so if your car pulls to the left when braking (or if your car pulls to the right!). Poorly-aligned wheels will reduce the lifespan and effectiveness of your tires and other components, too, so don’t delay!
The fix? It’s time for a wheel alignment.
Car brake servicing at Cox Auto
The importance of regular brake servicing cannot be understated. Regular brake servicing keeps your brakes in good condition, and can prevent your car getting the shakes when you hit the brakes! Our experienced brake technicians use the latest diagnostic equipment to conduct a comprehensive inspection of your car’s braking system components and can advise you on any necessary repairs or service items, ensuring the best possible car performance and safety. We only use the most trusted brands for parts and all our work is backed by a 12-month or 20,000km guarantee.
As an official A.T.E Brake Centre, we offer high-quality, dustless ceramic brakes along with a 50,000km wear warranty. We also test and repair shock absorbers, conduct wheel alignments, and carry out brake fluid flushing of the entire braking hydraulic system, including the ABS controller pump.
So if your car shakes when braking, put your brakes in the hands of the specialists. Book a service or call the workshop today. We’ll assess the condition of your brakes and provide you honest, reliable advice on the best course of action.
