What Causes the Civic to Shake When Braking?
2 Answers
The reasons for the Civic shaking when braking include incorrect tire dynamic balance, vehicle transmission system failure, and uneven brake disc wear. The specific causes and solutions are as follows: Incorrect Tire Dynamic Balance: Inaccurate tire dynamic balance values can cause the steering wheel to shake within a certain speed range, necessitating a rebalancing of the wheels. Check if the front wheel alignment angles and toe-in meet the requirements; adjust if they are incorrect. Vehicle Transmission System Failure: Vehicle transmission system failure is caused by issues in the transmission system. It is necessary to check if the front wheel alignment angles meet the requirements; adjust if they are incorrect. When driving at speeds between 80 km/h and 90 km/h, the steering wheel may shake, but it returns to normal when the speed exceeds 90 km/h. This condition is mostly caused by tire deformation or issues in the vehicle transmission system. Uneven Brake Disc Wear: When the vehicle is in a low gear with high torque, slight vibrations in the brake pedal and clutch pedal are normal. For automatic transmissions, slight pedal vibration when stopping at a red light in D gear is also normal; shifting to N or P gear will reduce the vibration significantly. Uneven tread wear on both sides of the tire or different tire pressures can also cause the brake pedal to shake. Deformation of the brake disc can lead to shaking, especially during sudden braking. In such cases, it is generally recommended to replace the brake disc.
I've been driving a Civic for over a decade, and brake shudder is a common issue. It's often caused by warped or uneven brake rotors – especially after hard braking on summer highways when the rotors get scorching hot and prone to warping. Worn brake pads or inconsistent pad material can also be culprits. Wheel hub corrosion or poor tire balance transferring vibrations to the braking system can cause severe shuddering, particularly noticeable in rainy or humid conditions. Start with the simplest check: visit a mechanic to measure rotor surface evenness. If uneven, resurface or replace them – don't skimp on safety! For prevention, maintain your brake system regularly and avoid sudden stops to extend its lifespan.
