What Causes Brake Shudder?
2 Answers
Brake shudder is caused by uneven wear of the brake disc, such as when the outer part of the brake disc is thicker than the inner part or vice versa. During braking, the brake pads clamp the brake disc vertically. If the brake disc is uneven and does not fully contact the brake pads, it will cause shuddering. The higher the speed, the more severe the shuddering becomes, making it harder to stop the vehicle. Brake shudder can also occur when new brake pads are installed and not yet broken in. Since new brake pads contain more metal content, they tend to be harder, which can amplify vibrations when rubbing against the metal brake disc, leading to shuddering. Therefore, it is advisable to drive cautiously for a certain distance after installing new brake pads and avoid sudden braking.
I remember the first time I drove an old car, the brakes shook badly. At the time, I thought it might be because the car was old and the brake discs had warped. Under high temperatures, sudden braking can easily cause the discs to deform, making the steering wheel vibrate when you step on the pedal. Sometimes, unevenly worn brake pads or clogged brake fluid lines can also cause this. Loose suspension components or poor tire balance can contribute to the issue as well. I found that ignoring this problem for too long can damage the car and compromise safety, so I quickly took it to a repair shop for inspection. The technician could tell just by measuring the disc thickness. Now, I have better car maintenance habits, regularly servicing the brakes and avoiding sudden stops whenever possible. Don’t underestimate this shaking—if an accident happens, it’s too late. Safe driving is the top priority.
