You may be surprised and worried when your automobile trembles as you approach a stop sign and apply the brakes. While this may be a cause for concern, in many cases it is not a serious problem. Here are some main reasons your car may shake when you brake.
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1. Brake Rotor Problems
One common reason for a car to shake when braking is brake rotor problems. The brake rotors are the large, round discs that the brake pads clamp down on to stop the wheels from turning. Over time, these rotors can become warped or uneven. When this happens, they will cause the brakes to vibrate when applied.
Fortunately, brake rotors can be replaced relatively easily and inexpensively. If you think your brake rotors may be the problem, have a mechanic take a look.
2. Brake Pads Worn Out
Another common reason for shaking brakes is worn out brake pads. The brake pads are the part of the brakes that actually make contact with the rotors to stop the car. When they become too worn out, they can cause the brakes to vibrate.
Brake pads typically need to be replaced every 20,000 to 40,000 miles, so if it’s been a while since yours have been changed, that may be the problem. Again, a mechanic can take a look and let you know for sure.
3. Loose Wheel Bearings
Another possible reason for brake vibration is loose wheel bearings. The bearings are what allow the wheels to rotate smoothly, and when they become loose, they can cause all sorts of problems – including making your brakes shake.
If you think your problem may be loose wheel bearings, have a mechanic check them out. It’s usually an easy fix.
4. Brake Calipers Are Sticking
The calipers are what hold the brake pads in place, and when they become sticking or otherwise damaged, they can cause the brakes to shake. This is usually a more serious problem that will need to be fixed by a mechanic, but it is possible for a DIYer to replace the calipers if you’re feeling up to the task.
5. Unbalanced Tires
Another common reason for a car to shake is unbalanced tires. Over time, the weight of the car and the road can cause the tires to become unbalanced. This can lead to a variety of problems, including making your brakes shake.
The good news is that balancing your tires is usually a relatively inexpensive and easy fix. If you think your tires may be the problem, have a mechanic take a look.
As you can see, there are a number of different reasons why your car may shake when you brake. In most cases, it’s not a serious problem and can be fixed relatively easily. However, if the shaking is severe or accompanied by other problems, it’s always best to have a mechanic take a look. Better safe than sorry!
Final Thought
If your car is shaking when you brake, don’t panic – in most cases, it’s not a serious problem. However, it is always best to have a mechanic take a look to be sure. They can diagnose the problem and let you know what needs to be done to fix it.
In many cases, simply having your brakes checked and adjusted by a professional can solve the problem of shaking brakes. If your pads are getting close to needing to be replaced, they may just need to be adjusted.
Additionally, even if your pads and rotors are fine, brake calipers can become misaligned over time and cause brake vibration. A professional can simply readjust them, solving the problem quickly and inexpensively.
