What Causes Vehicle Vibration When Braking?
2 Answers
When experiencing brake vibration during braking, first rule out a normal phenomenon where the ABS system causes the brake pedal to rebound during emergency braking. On slippery roads, when the ABS anti-lock braking system activates, the brake pedal may vibrate, which is normal. If confirmed as a fault, check whether the brake discs and pads are severely worn or if the runout exceeds tolerance, requiring measurement and replacement of faulty components. Below are the reasons for brake vibration during braking: 1. For manual transmissions, slight vibration in both the brake and clutch pedals is normal when the vehicle is in a low gear with high torque. 2. For automatic transmissions, pedal vibration when stopping at a red light in D gear is also normal; shifting to N or P gear will reduce the sensation. 3. Uneven tread wear on both sides of the tires or differing tire pressures can cause brake pedal vibration. 4. Warped brake discs can lead to vibration, especially during hard braking, in which case the discs should be replaced. 5. If the ABS warning light flickers during low-speed braking, check whether the ABS sensor is faulty. 6. A pulsating brake pedal and a "grinding" noise during high-speed braking indicate the ABS pump is working, which is normal. 7. Check if loose underbody screws are causing resonance.
I've been driving for twenty years and have encountered brake shudder several times. The most common cause is uneven brake rotor surfaces, where you can feel the steering wheel violently shaking when braking, making the car tremble like a sieve. Last time I went for repairs, the mechanic said it was due to deformation from rapid cooling after high temperatures. Another reason is uneven wear of brake pads, where varying thickness prevents the pads from tightly fitting the rotor surface during braking, causing a jerky sensation. Suspension system issues could also be the culprit, such as loose lower control arm ball joints or worn shock absorbers, amplifying vibrations when braking. Additionally, uneven tire pressure or wear can make the whole car wobble under heavy braking. Whenever you notice shaking, it's crucial to get it checked and fixed by professionals immediately—don't let it escalate. Safe driving is no joke; regular maintenance saves a lot of hassle, and I've learned plenty from experience.
