What Causes Vibration When Braking?
2 Answers
The reasons for vibration when braking are: 1. Uneven surfaces of the brake disc, hub mounting face, or wheel hub face; 2. Manufacturing tolerances of the brake disc causing brake vibration; 3. Uneven torque between the two-piece disc and hub bolts leading to irregular surfaces. Solutions for vibration when braking include: 1. Grinding rust spots to achieve a flat surface and thoroughly cleaning the wheel hub and steering knuckle contact areas; 2. Selecting high-precision components; 3. Replacing warped parts. Brake pad replacement procedure: 1. Open the engine compartment to check brake fluid level to prevent overflow during replacement; 2. Remove the wheel where the brake is located; 3. Remove caliper bolts and take out old brake pads; 4. Install new brake pads, tighten guide bolts, completing the replacement.
Last time I drove, the whole car shook when I stepped on the brakes. I thought it was a tire issue, but later found out the brake discs were worn and warped. Uneven wear on the brake pads is also a common cause—uneven friction during braking can cause shaking. Wheel balance issues, like unbalanced wheels or uneven tire pressure, can also trigger vibrations. Looseness in the suspension system, such as a worn control arm ball joint, can lead to instability when braking. This is especially dangerous on highways, as it can easily lead to loss of control. I’ve now made it a habit to regularly inspect the brake discs and suspension components to ensure safety. If a problem arises, don’t wait too long—take it to a professional shop right away to prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. Driving safety shouldn’t overlook the details; even a quick check of the brake pad thickness yourself can help.
