What Causes the Obvious Jerking Sensation During Emergency Braking?
4 Answers
Emergency braking may cause a jerking sensation due to the unsynchronized rotation speeds of the vehicle's engine and clutch plate, foreign objects on the brake disc, or issues with the brake pads. Below are the specific reasons and solutions: Unsynchronized Engine and Clutch Plate Speeds: If the vehicle is a manual transmission and experiences jerking during braking, it is highly likely caused by the unsynchronized rotation speeds of the engine and clutch plate. During braking, the driver should simultaneously press the clutch and brake to perform the braking action. Foreign Objects on the Brake Disc: Especially after driving in rainy or snowy weather, it is essential to promptly check for foreign objects on the brake disc. If any are found, they should be removed immediately. Otherwise, not only will it cause jerking during braking, but it will also significantly reduce the vehicle's safety. Issues with the Brake Pads: Owners should regularly inspect and replace brake pads. The need for replacement can be determined by the wear condition of the brake pads. When the thickness of the brake pad is reduced to about 1/3 of its original thickness (approximately 0.5 cm), it indicates that replacement is necessary.
Having driven for decades, the jerking sensation during hard braking is usually the ABS system working normally. ABS prevents tire lock-up and skidding by pulsating the brakes during deceleration, causing the car to jerk. This design is meant to enhance safety, especially on slippery roads, so it can be normal at times. However, if the jerking is too severe or occurs too frequently, other factors should be checked, such as whether the brake discs are warped or uneven—uneven wear can lead to unstable braking force. Also, check the thickness of the brake pads; if they're too thin, it can affect smooth braking. I recommend regularly monitoring tire pressure and scheduling periodic brake inspections to avoid major issues. If severe jerking occurs, don’t delay—visit a professional shop promptly for repairs. Keeping the braking system in good condition benefits everyone.
Last time when I slammed on the brakes, the car shook violently. It turned out to be caused by uneven wear on the brake discs. Uneven surfaces or rust on the discs can lead to inconsistent contact with the brake pads, resulting in jerky braking. Don't ignore this issue, as it can also increase stopping distances and raise safety risks. I'd suggest first checking if there are obvious defects in the discs or pads, like deep grooves or excessive thinning. If those look fine, then rule out hydraulic system issues - low brake fluid or air in the system can cause pressure fluctuations. For DIY solutions, you can check fluid levels yourself, but disc/pad problems are best handled by a technician. From my experience, replacing the worn components eliminated the jerking completely. While it costs some money, the improved safety and smoother braking make it well worth the investment.
Sudden braking jerkiness may be due to air in the brake system, affecting hydraulic stability. I've worked on my own car before—forgetting to fully bleed air bubbles from the brake fluid caused shaking during hard stops. Check the brake fluid reservoir level; top it up if low, but overfilling is also problematic. Another possibility is aged or clogged brake lines, disrupting pressure transmission. A quick fix is attempting to re-bleed the system, but caution is needed to avoid mistakes. If the issue persists, also inspect tire wear, as uneven tread can worsen the problem. Timely maintenance minimizes such surprises and is crucial for daily driving.
