What Causes Obvious Jerking When the Car Brakes to a Stop?
2 Answers
The reasons for obvious jerking when the car brakes to a stop are as follows: 1. Suspension system malfunction: The front wheel shock absorbers are in a compressed state, while the rear wheel shock absorbers are in an extended state, creating a front-low, rear-high 'nose-dive' posture. When the car comes to a complete stop, the front and rear springs return to their original positions, causing the front of the car to lift slightly and the rear to lower, resulting in a jerking sensation. Increasing the stiffness of the front suspension can resolve this issue. 2. Sudden braking: Jerking occurs during sudden braking. Avoid hard braking and try to slow down gradually instead.
I often encounter this issue while driving too. When braking to a stop, the car body noticeably jerks, as if being suddenly pushed, which is quite annoying. I suspect the main reason might be the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) kicking in. It automatically releases the brakes to prevent lock-up just before coming to a complete stop, creating that jerking sensation. If the jerking happens frequently, it's necessary to check the wear on the brake pads or whether the brake disc surface is uneven—older cars are particularly prone to this problem. I've also experienced jerking from automatic transmissions shifting at low speeds, especially with CVT or dual-clutch transmissions, where poor gear matching can cause the car body to shake. It's advisable to keep an eye on the brake fluid level during regular maintenance; if it's too low, unstable hydraulic pressure can make the jerking more pronounced. If the problem persists, it's best to have the sensors tested at a repair shop. Driving safety comes first—never ignore such symptoms, as they can significantly increase the risk of reduced braking performance.
