Why does the Civic shake when braking?
2 Answers
If you notice body shaking while driving, it is usually caused by the tires. Improper tire balance can lead to vehicle deviation, and you may consider performing a dynamic balance. Below is additional information: There are several situations of tire imbalance: one is due to prolonged use causing steel rim deformation, and another is due to drive shaft deformation. If the vehicle shakes during idle, there could be several reasons. Severe carbon buildup in the engine: When there is excessive carbon buildup inside the engine, it can cause idle shaking after a cold start. This happens because excessive carbon buildup absorbs a large amount of the sprayed fuel, making the air-fuel mixture too lean and causing difficulty in starting. The vehicle may only start once the air-fuel mixture reaches a certain level, but then the excessive carbon buildup can cause the mixture in the cylinder to become too rich, leading to engine shaking. Issues with the ignition system: Problems with the ignition system can also cause idle body shaking, often due to excessive carbon buildup on the spark plugs. Unstable oil pressure: If there is no issue with excessive carbon buildup but the idle body still shakes, it could be due to problems with the fuel supply pressure or the intake pressure sensor. When these components malfunction, they can cause body shaking during idle. Aging engine components: The last possible cause is a problem with the engine mounts. Simply put, engine mounts act as the engine's shock absorption system. If they fail to dampen the engine's operational vibrations, it will naturally lead to shaking issues.
I noticed that my Civic shakes when I brake, which is usually due to uneven brake rotor surfaces. Prolonged driving or sudden braking can cause the rotors to warp from heat, leading to uneven friction and vibrations. It could also be uneven brake pad wear or issues with the calipers affecting braking performance. Once, I experienced this—the steering wheel shook so much it felt unsafe. After inspection, replacing the brake rotors fixed the problem. Safety first—if you notice this, don’t delay. Visit a professional repair shop and also check tire balance and the suspension system to prevent more serious brake failure risks. DIY fixes can be risky, so it’s best left to experts.
