What Causes Car Body Shaking When Braking?
3 Answers
This situation occurs due to issues with the brake pads and brake discs. When this happens, it is recommended to replace the brake discs with new ones. Below is the relevant introduction: Brake System: The brake system is a crucial component of a vehicle, directly affecting driving stability and safety. The main components of the brake system include the vacuum booster pump, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, brake pads, and brake discs. Brake Pads and Brake Discs: Both brake pads and brake discs are parts that require regular replacement. As the vehicle's mileage increases, both the brake pads and brake discs will wear out. Once the brake discs and brake pads wear to a certain extent, they need to be replaced.
Last time I was driving, the car shook violently when I braked, which really gave me a scare. After consulting a mechanic friend, I learned that the most common cause is warped brake rotors—frequent hard braking overheats the rotor surface, causing it to warp. It could also be uneven wear on the brake pads or small debris like stones or sand getting stuck, leading to uneven friction. Tire imbalance can also contribute, making the car shake when braking while the wheels are turning. Remember to get regular check-ups at the shop to inspect the thickness and flatness of the braking system—don’t delay too long. Try to avoid slamming on the brakes too often to protect the rotors and pads. At best, this issue affects driving feel; at worst, it can increase braking distance or even cause skidding. For safety’s sake, address it early—I replaced my rotors, and the problem was solved.
From my observation, body shaking during braking is usually caused by brake disc issues. For example, uneven heating can deform the disc surface, causing shaking even with light braking. It could also be due to worn brake pads or oil contamination, reducing friction. Sometimes, loose wheel hubs or suspension system failures can contribute to the problem. I once tried checking tire pressure, as unstable pressure can amplify the shaking. It's best to visit a professional shop to measure disc uniformity with instruments and replace any worn components. For prevention, avoid frequent mountain driving or long-distance aggressive driving. Clean brake components during regular maintenance—don't wait for problems to escalate, as small issues can turn into major ones.
