Why Does the Car Shake When Braking at 120 km/h?

[AdelynLee]

Braking at 120 km/h causes shaking due to uneven brake disc wear and drivetrain malfunctions. Uneven Brake Disc Wear: When brake discs wear unevenly, braking at high speeds can cause the steering wheel to shake. At certain speeds, braking can lead to asynchronous braking forces between the left and right wheels on the same axle, resulting in an uneven braking effect—alternating between tight and loose. When this imbalance reaches a certain level, it causes the wheels to roll at unequal speeds, leading to side-to-side wobbling, which is then transmitted to the steering wheel. Drivetrain Malfunction: Another possible cause of steering wheel shaking during high-speed braking is an issue with the vehicle's drivetrain. In such cases, it is advisable to inspect components like the tie rods and ball joints for signs of rust or looseness.

[DiKyle]

I often encounter this issue on the highway—brake shudder at 120 km/h, mainly due to warped brake rotors. Long-term use or overheating from sudden braking can cause the rotors to become uneven, making it feel like the wheels are struggling every time you brake. Additionally, uneven brake pad wear or oil contamination can worsen the shudder, making the steering wheel vibrate. It could also be due to unbalanced tires or wheel hub issues, which become more pronounced at high speeds. It's advisable to get the braking system checked promptly—don't delay too long, or repairs will cost more. When driving, maintain smooth acceleration and braking to avoid sudden stops. If the shudder is severe, reduce speed to a safe area before addressing the issue—never take risks.

[GraceAnn]

Last month I was speeding at 120 km/h on the highway, and when I hit the brakes, the car shook violently, almost losing control. Safety first! Such shaking often indicates unstable brake discs or tires, where uneven friction at high speeds can easily cause fishtailing. This is typically a sign of thermal deformation or loose components, such as worn suspension ball joints or loose steering linkages, causing the car to sway side to side. I recommend immediately slowing down, turning on the hazard lights, and pulling over to check the tires and brake discs. Regular maintenance should focus on these areas—replace worn parts to ensure safe long-distance driving. Don’t skimp on these small expenses, or you may regret it later.

[Marc]

As a tire enthusiast, I must say that the shaking when braking at 120 km/h mainly stems from tire imbalance. Uneven tire wear or rim deformation can amplify vibration points due to centrifugal force at high speeds, causing shaking when pressure concentrates during braking. A simple test: Drive at a constant speed on a flat road and check if the steering wheel shakes. If it does, get a tire balance and dynamic balance service immediately. Other factors like uneven brake pad thickness can also contribute, but checking the tires first is most effective. Remember, regular tire rotation and balancing services can prevent this—small expenses save big troubles.

[Gabriella]

From a technical perspective, vibration when braking at 120 km/h can sometimes be a normal ABS system response. ABS rapidly pulses the brakes during high-speed emergency stops to prevent wheel lock-up, causing pedal pulsation and vehicle vibration. However, if it's not an ABS issue, it might be caused by uneven brake disc wear or caliper contamination affecting performance. Identification method: If there's no vibration during light braking, it's unrelated to ABS and requires component cleaning or replacement. I always remind friends to check sensors and piping - never overlook small details. Maintaining system cleanliness can reduce such issues.