What is the issue with severe car brake diving?
2 Answers
Due to inertia, the front of the car is heavier because it contains the engine. During emergency braking, the front of the car will dip. Below are related explanations: 1. Cause: When the vehicle brakes, the center of gravity shifts forward, causing the front suspension springs to compress. During this process, the springs bear the reverse stress transmitted from the ground friction to the car body. 2. Additional information: Solutions: Manual transmission: When the car is about to stop but hasn't completely stopped, shift to neutral and release the brake, allowing the car to come to a stop on its own while coasting. Automatic transmission: Shifting to neutral follows the same principle as manual transmission. By adjusting the depth of braking, find the critical point where braking force disappears and power has not yet been transmitted.
I often encounter this situation while driving, and I feel that severe brake dive is mainly caused by the aging of the front suspension system. My old car used to dive frequently, and after inspection, it was found that the front shock absorbers and springs were worn out—they couldn't absorb the impact force during braking, leading to noticeable front-end sinking. Additionally, improper tuning of the braking system can also worsen the diving phenomenon, such as uneven wear on the brake discs. After replacing the worn parts, the issue improved significantly. I recommend regular suspension checks and avoiding sudden braking to prevent component fatigue. If you notice diving during daily driving, you can first try switching to softer springs and be mindful of not overloading the vehicle, as a fully packed trunk can also put extra strain on the front suspension.
