Why does the car shake violently when braking?
2 Answers
The reasons for severe shaking when braking: 1. For manual transmission vehicles, slight vibration in both the brake pedal and clutch pedal is normal when the car is in low gear with high torque; 2. Uneven wear on both sides of tire treads or different tire pressures; 3. Deformation of brake discs can also cause shaking, especially during emergency braking; 4. If the ABS warning light flickers during low-speed braking, check if the ABS sensor is faulty; 5. When feeling pedal pulsation and hearing grinding noises during high-speed braking, this indicates the ABS pump is working normally; 6. Loose underbody guard screws causing resonance.
I had only owned this car for a few years when I encountered severe shaking when braking. Once, during an emergency stop on the highway, even the steering wheel vibrated, which scared me into pulling over immediately. Later, a mechanic told me that it was likely due to warped brake discs or uneven surfaces—like an uneven plate causing uneven friction. Hard braking or braking in rainy conditions can easily cause overheating and warping, and older cars often suffer from rust-induced unevenness. If the brake pads wear unevenly, it can also worsen this shaking. Normally, driving with gentler braking and avoiding frequent emergency stops can reduce damage. If a problem arises, get the braking system checked immediately. If the discs are warped, they’ll need resurfacing or replacement. Safety comes first—don’t wait until an accident happens to regret it.
