What Causes Steering Wheel Vibration When Braking?
2 Answers
The reasons for steering wheel vibration when braking are: 1. There is play in the brake disc plane. When braking at high speed, the brake pedal may have slight bouncing, and this vibration is transmitted to the steering wheel through the related steering system; 2. If the vibration feels more severe when braking than during normal driving, it indicates a problem with the steering system. Brake pad maintenance methods: 1. Inspect the brake pads every 5,000 kilometers under normal driving conditions; 2. Brake pads that have reached their service limit must be replaced; 3. When replacing, use the brake pads provided by the original equipment manufacturer; 4. Special tools must be used to retract the brake caliper when replacing the brake pads; 5. After replacing the brake pads, be sure to pump the brakes several times to eliminate the gap between the pads and the brake disc.
The common cause of this steering wheel vibration is uneven brake rotor surfaces, especially after prolonged use when the rotors warp due to heat, causing uneven friction during braking that transmits vibrations to the steering wheel. It could also be due to uneven brake pad material or wheel imbalance, leading to wheel wobble that causes the steering wheel to shake. I recommend first checking if the brake rotors are worn or scratched, and resurfacing or replacing them if necessary. Additionally, excessive tire pressure or deformed wheel rims might trigger similar issues—remember to maintain your braking system regularly, as safety comes first. If the vibration worsens at high speeds, it might indicate aging or loose suspension components affecting steering stability, in which case you should have it inspected by professionals immediately to prevent accidents.
