What Causes Brake Shaking at High Speeds in Cars?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons for brake shaking when driving at high speeds: 1. Uneven brake disc surface: The brake disc surface is uneven, with excessive radial runout. During braking, the brake pads contact the disc unevenly, resulting in varying braking force and causing vehicle vibration, which is usually noticeable when lightly applying the brakes. 2. Significant wheel alignment deviation: Large deviations in wheel alignment data, especially incorrect front wheel alignment angles or excessive toe-in. This makes the vehicle difficult to control during acceleration, with generally minor shaking but an overall uncomfortable driving experience. 3. Incorrect tire pressure: Either too high or too low. Excessive tire pressure causes more severe vibration at higher speeds, while insufficient pressure leads to a floating sensation and pulling to one side.
I've been driving on highways for many years, and when I experience brake shudder that makes the steering wheel shake, it's quite nerve-wracking. The most common cause is warped brake rotors, as sudden braking after prolonged high-speed driving generates high heat, leading to uneven contraction or bending of the rotor surface. Another possibility is unbalanced tires or wheel hub wobbling, especially if dynamic balancing wasn't done after installing new tires. Loose suspension components can also transmit vibrations, such as worn ball joints or tie rod issues. I usually perform a simple check myself: after parking, I spin the wheels to see if there's excessive wobble and feel for changes in braking force. If the shudder is severe, I recommend not delaying and visiting a professional repair shop for a thorough inspection of the brake components to prevent accelerated wear or safety risks. Regular brake system maintenance can prevent this issue; the condition of rotors and pads should be checked every 20,000 kilometers.
