What Causes the Entire Car to Shake When Braking?
3 Answers
The most common reasons for the entire car shaking when braking include the following: 1. Brake pads or brake discs: For example, if either one is uneven or deformed, it can cause brake shaking. The solution is to replace the brake pads or discs to resolve the issue. 2. Incorrect wheel alignment or poor tire balance: This phenomenon is also quite common. If the wheel alignment is off or the tires are unbalanced, it can lead to brake shaking. The solution is to redo the wheel alignment or tire balancing. 3. Ball joint detachment: This is a more serious issue where the driver may feel a 'loss of direction' and lose control of the vehicle. The solution is to visit a professional repair shop to fix the problem. 4. Loose fixing bolts on the lower control arm: The solution is for the driver to tighten the loose bolts themselves to resolve the issue.
The whole car shaking when braking really scared me. I've been driving for over twenty years and have seen many such cases. The main reason is uneven or warped brake disc surfaces, especially after frequent hard braking, where the metal overheats and cools unevenly, causing wave-like patterns. Another cause is uneven wear of brake pads, possibly due to inferior quality or sand particles getting stuck during installation. Wheel imbalance can also exacerbate this issue, such as not performing dynamic balancing after changing new tires, causing vibrations to spread throughout the car during high-speed braking. Additionally, aging components in the suspension system, like loose shock absorbers or support arms, can contribute. Once, my car shook severely, and upon inspection, we found the disc surface was scored and needed resurfacing; otherwise, it could affect braking distance or even lead to loss of control. I recommend not delaying and taking it to a professional shop for inspection and repair as soon as possible—safety first. Regular driving habits like avoiding sudden hard braking and periodic maintenance checks can effectively prevent such failures.
As a new driver who just got my license, I'm puzzled by brake shudder. After some research, I found common issues include warped brake rotors or uneven surfaces from overheating/rusting - rapid heat cycles during hard braking can cause deformation. Excessively worn or sticking brake pads may also cause vibration. Wheel imbalance issues like uneven tire wear or bent rims amplify at high speeds. Loose suspension components (shocks or ball joints) can transmit vibrations too. During inspection, listen for abnormal brake noises and check if rotor temperatures are even. If abnormalities are found, don't force driving - have a mechanic measure rotor runout and adjust components with proper tools. The cost is reasonable but solves major issues. Novices like me should practice smooth driving to reduce brake stress.
