Why does the Civic shake when braking?

[VonJaxon]

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.

[DeDante]

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.

[DelDaisy]

I've been driving a Civic for several years, and brake shudder is quite common—it's mostly due to issues with the brake discs. It could be caused by wear and deformation of the discs from daily driving or uneven friction from aging brake pads. I remember one time when the shudder was so severe that I thought it was a minor issue, but it almost caused me to rear-end someone, forcing me to get it repaired. My advice is to pay attention while driving—if the shudder only occurs when braking, prioritize inspecting the braking system. Take it to a reliable auto shop for a thorough check-up; don’t just try to save money with DIY fixes, as that could lead to bigger risks. Preventive maintenance is crucial—regularly replacing brake components can avoid these issues and ensure smooth driving.

[DiRicardo]

When the Civic shakes while braking, it's often caused by uneven or damaged brake rotors. This could be due to thermal expansion deforming the rotor surface or improper brake pad installation. Not only is this issue annoying, but it also affects safety. I've experienced situations where the shaking intensified, prompting me to pull over immediately for inspection. The solution is straightforward - have it addressed at a professional shop, and replacing the affected components will restore normal operation. Pay attention to driving habits in daily use, avoid sudden braking, and this will help extend brake system lifespan.