Why Does the Steering Wheel Shake When Braking?
2 Answers
Steering wheel shaking when braking is caused by issues in the braking system. The friction between the brake pads and discs generates vibrations, which also cause the steering knuckle to shake. When the steering knuckle shakes, the tires slightly wobble, leading to movement in the steering gear. Consequently, the steering wheel connected to the steering gear also shakes. If the brake disc surface has play, slight jumps in the brake pedal may occur during high-speed braking. These jumps are transmitted through the related steering system to the steering wheel, causing it to shake left and right. After resurfacing the brake discs, they can be reused. The braking system has high requirements for surface flatness. Some brake discs or their surfaces may have dirt, which can deform due to heat, leading to unevenness and resulting in vibrations.
My car's steering wheel shakes violently when braking last time, and the main cause usually lies in the brake discs. After prolonged use, brake discs are prone to deformation, leading to uneven friction and shaking when braking. Additionally, uneven wear of brake pads or insufficient brake fluid can exacerbate the problem. I remember this issue became more noticeable after I drove long distances last year. Later, when I took it to the repair shop for inspection, the mechanic said the brake discs needed to be resurfaced or replaced, and incidentally, they also found some abnormal tire wear. I suggest everyone not to ignore similar situations, as long-term neglect can affect braking performance and suspension lifespan, increasing driving risks. Regular maintenance of the brake system can prevent this. Now, I check the brakes every time I change the oil.
