What Causes High-Speed Brake Shaking?
3 Answers
High-speed brake shaking reasons: 1. After prolonged driving with multiple braking instances, the brake discs reach high temperatures. Activating the brakes until ABS engages may cause shaking; 2. The continuous clamping and releasing action of the brake caliper on the disc creates intermittent strong tension, generating heat that leads to vehicle vibration; 3. Excessive heat causes the brake disc to warp into a wavy deformation. During high-speed braking when constrained by the caliper, uneven disc surfaces vibrate, transmitting this vibration through steering linkages and suspension to the vehicle body and steering wheel, resulting in body shake.
Experiencing brake shudder at high speeds, I reckon it's mostly due to brake disc issues. After prolonged use, brake discs can warp and become uneven, especially during high-speed emergency braking when thermal expansion and contraction intensify, causing severe shaking. Wheel balance is also crucial—loose wheel hub bolts or improper wheel weight distribution can amplify vibrations at high speeds. Uneven brake pad wear, or oil contamination and rust on the disc surface can also cause this. With over a decade of driving experience, I've encountered this a few times: upon self-inspection, I found uneven disc surfaces, and only after spending some money at the repair shop to replace the discs was the issue resolved. Regular maintenance shouldn't overlook cleaning brake components to prevent similar problems. In severe cases, it can damage the suspension system and create excessive noise. For safety's sake, address any issues promptly—don't wait for an accident to happen.
High-speed brake shudder is really dangerous! You can feel the steering wheel shaking, severely affecting control. Common causes include overheated and warped brake discs, as uneven friction heat from high-speed braking leads to uneven disc surfaces. Loose wheel installation can also cause shudder, such as bolts not being tightened properly. Additionally, issues with brake pad materials, like wear or contamination, can worsen the vibration. I experienced it once on the highway and was so scared I immediately slowed down and pulled over. It's essential to get it checked at a professional shop promptly—delaying can cause more damage. Remember, brake shudder indicates reduced braking power, and mishandling can have serious consequences. It's best not to attempt DIY fixes.
