What Causes Vehicle Shaking During Emergency Braking?
3 Answers
Vehicle shaking during braking is primarily caused by uneven wear of the brake discs. The main reasons for shaking during emergency braking are detailed below: 1. Uneven brake disc wear (excessive one-sided wear): This occurs when the vehicle's brake caliper fails to retract properly. Automotive braking systems work by having two friction pads press against the brake disc through caliper pressure. If the caliper doesn't fully retract after braking, it leads to accelerated one-sided wear. 2. Poor driving habits: Continuous hard braking generates excessive heat in the brake discs. Subsequent aggressive braking may disrupt the dynamic balance of the discs, and improper operation can also cause disc deformation. 3. Use of inferior brake pads: Low-quality brake pads contain excessive metallic materials. These hard metallic substances in contact with the brake disc can significantly reduce the disc's service life.
When the vehicle shakes during emergency braking, I often encounter this issue while driving. As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I believe the most common causes are warped brake discs or uneven wear. During emergency braking, the brake pads press against the discs, and if the discs are slightly bent, the pressure becomes uneven, causing the car to shake back and forth. It could also be due to unevenly worn brake pads (one side thicker than the other) or loose suspension components, which cause shaking when braking. Additionally, unbalanced tires can lead to vibrations. Last time I took my car to the repair shop, the mechanic said this is a safety hazard—if the shaking worsens at high speeds, it could lead to loss of control. My advice is: don’t delay if you experience this issue; have a professional inspect the braking system as soon as possible. During regular maintenance, ask them to check the discs and pads to avoid major problems.
I personally experienced sudden brake shudder when driving a new car, mainly caused by issues in the braking system. Possible reasons include uneven brake rotor surfaces leading to uneven pressure distribution during hard braking; or problems with brake pad materials causing inconsistent wear and vibration; loose suspension components like shock absorbers or ball joints; and wheel/tire imbalance is also a factor. I usually check myself by inspecting brake pad thickness and looking for deep scratches on the rotor surface, then gently shaking the car body to test suspension play. If there's really a problem, don't risk driving too far - get it repaired at the shop immediately. When driving normally, avoid frequent hard braking to reduce component wear. Regular maintenance is crucial - have technicians check the balance during seasonal changes every year, which can prevent many troubles.
