What Causes the Brakes to Jerk?

[OSebastian]

When braking hard, the jerking sensation in the car may be due to the ABS system engaging. If the jerking occurs during normal braking rather than emergency braking, it could be caused by issues with the brake calipers or uneven contact between the brake pads and brake discs. In such cases, it is essential to have the car's braking system inspected immediately. Below is more information about brakes: Key Components of the Braking System: The main components of a car's braking system include the vacuum booster, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake pads, and brake discs. ABS System: Most cars are equipped with an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, it can be extremely dangerous. Locked wheels may cause the car to skid or lose control, preventing the driver from steering or slowing down effectively. The ABS system prevents wheel lock-up by allowing the wheels to roll and slide simultaneously, enabling the driver to maintain control and avoid obstacles. During emergency braking, the ABS system activates, which may cause the car to jerk. Brake Disc Replacement Limits: Generally, brake discs should be replaced if they wear down by 3MM on a single side, and brake pads should be replaced when they are worn down to 3MM remaining. Brake fluid should be replaced every 3 years or 60,000 kilometers to prevent moisture contamination or fluid degradation, which could compromise braking performance.

[LeVera]

Once when I was driving, the brakes suddenly became jerky, and the car shook violently, almost causing me to hit another car at a red light. After inspection, it was found that the brake discs were warped, causing uneven friction between the pads and discs during high-speed braking. I think the most common causes are uneven wear on the brake pads or uneven rust on the disc surface, which makes the car feel like it's jumping every time you hit the brakes. Additionally, if the ABS system is falsely triggered—like when the sensors are dirty or water gets in—it can also make the brakes feel like they're twitching. There's also the issue of brake fluid; air bubbles or contaminants in the fluid can cause hydraulic instability, leading to jerky braking. I recommend not ignoring these small warning signs. Drive slower and get repairs done early to prevent the problem from escalating and affecting safety. Personal experience has taught me that regular maintenance can prevent issues before they arise.

[McRicardo]

Experiencing jerky braking is an absolute nightmare with extremely high safety risks! I once had a terrifying incident where my car lost control during emergency braking on a rainy day due to a faulty ABS module. Common causes include: uneven pressure from aged brake boosters; loose suspension components or worn wheel hub bearings causing body shake during braking; and ABS sensor errors triggering malfunctions. Continued driving under such conditions significantly increases stopping distances and accident risks. My advice? Immediately pull over to a safe location to inspect tires and brake pads/disks, then visit a professional shop for a full system diagnosis. Remember, safety comes first—don’t wait until total brake failure to regret inaction.

[MacSilas]

Regular maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of brake jerking. I've found that keeping the brake system clean is most crucial, such as periodically removing dust particles from the brake pads and discs to prevent uneven friction. It's also recommended to change the brake fluid every two years to avoid deterioration or moisture-induced hydraulic fluctuations. Additionally, pay attention to driving habits – sudden braking and abrupt stops accelerate wear. After one instance of neglect, my car kept shaking, and repairs were more costly. Simple maintenance like regular component checks can keep brakes smooth as new.

[OAddyson]

Diagnosing brake judder requires a step-by-step approach. First, visually inspect the brake discs for smoothness; grooves or rust indicate warping. Next, check if the brake pads have even thickness—replace them if severely worn. Then, test drive to feel the issue; if it occurs only at specific speeds, it might be an ABS problem—use a diagnostic tool to read fault codes. Also, inspect the hydraulic system, such as checking fluid levels, as foam or leaks can cause judder. Finally, rule out suspension issues like loose wheel hubs or faulty shock absorbers. Simple checks can be done yourself, but complex issues require a technician.