This is an interesting question, with a few possible explanations. But the first thing you should do is have your car checked by a professional mechanic or technician with diagnoses equipment to see if it’s something that can be easily fixed or if you need parts. Almost all brake shakes are fixable, but it does vary depending on what is causing it.
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Brake Shaking Caused by Pads That Are Worn Out
This is the most common cause of brake shaking, so if you have recently changed your brakes or had them checked, this could be why your car shakes. When you are braking your brake pads go up against the rotor and slow down your car. If they are worn out, this can cause a problem because the metal part of the rotor that should be touching the brake pads will scrape against the rotors and therefore shake your car as you brake. When this happens, think of it as if someone is scraping their fingernails on a blackboard: it makes a terrible noise and is very annoying. This sound happens because the pads are not stopping your car as smoothly as they should be, so it shakes because of this lack of a smooth stop. If you have a shaking problem due to worn out brake pads, then sometimes adjusting the calipers or having them replaced can fix this problem.
Brake Shaking Caused by a Lack of Maintenance or Alignment Issue
This can be another common issue that causes brake shakes. If you have not done much driving recently, it could be the result of your front end being out of alignment. The front wheels could be pointing in different directions and this would cause a shaking movement as you apply the brakes. If your car is not aligned properly, the shaking could be worse when braking from a higher speed. This can also happen if you have ever hit a curb or other obstacles in driving, and this knocks things out of alignment. Most cars will include basic maintenance that will help prevent this type of issue, but it can still happen because things get knocked out of place over time. To fix this problem, you might need to have an alignment done on your car.
Brake Shaking Caused by Warped Rotors
Another possibility for brake shaking is warped rotors. This can happen when the rotors get too hot, as with a lot of hard braking. When this happens, the rotors can start to bend and this will cause a shaking movement when you brake. The best way to prevent this from happening is to make sure that you are using the right amount of brake pressure when braking and not slamming on the brakes. If your car has warped rotors, then sometimes having them replaced is the only solution.
Brake Shaking Caused by Bumps or Potholes
This can be another possible cause of your car shaking when you brake. If you keep hitting bumps in the road, there could be damage to the wheel alignment that is causing an issue with your brakes. This can also happen if you drive over potholes, especially those that are really deep. If you have driven over a few potholes and you notice your car shaking when braking, then it might be time to get your wheels aligned or replaced.
Brake Shaking Caused by Fluid Leaks
Another cause of brake shaking is fluid leaks. If there is a leak in either the brake lines or the brake fluid reservoir, it can cause a problem with braking. This will often cause a spongy feeling in the brake pedal and can also cause the car to shake when braking. If you have a fluid leak, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible because it can damage other parts of your car.
If you are experiencing shaking when braking, it is important to try and determine what is causing the problem. By troubleshooting the issue, you can hopefully find a solution and stop the shaking. If you are still having trouble after trying these tips, then it might be time to take your car in to a mechanic to have them check it out.
How to Fix Brake Shudder
There are a few potential causes of brake shudder, and fortunately, most of them are easy to fix. Here’s how to do it:
- Check the brake pads for wear and replace if necessary. Worn pads can cause the brakes to vibrate.
- Make sure the calipers are properly aligned. Misaligned calipers can cause the brakes to vibrate.
- Make sure the rotors are not warped. Warped rotors can cause the brakes to vibrate.
- Check the brake fluid level and make sure it is at the correct level. Low brake fluid levels can cause brake shudder.
- Have the brake linings inspected for wear and replaced if necessary. Worn brake linings can cause brake shudder.
- If all of the above steps have been taken and brake shudder is still occurring, it may be necessary to replace the entire braking system.
If you are experiencing brake shudder, the best course of action is to have your brakes inspected by a professional to determine the exact cause.