If you have experienced your vehicle shaking while trying to slow down, you are not alone. Car vibration when braking is a common issue experienced by many drivers. It might seem like a small problem, but there are often bigger issues underneath.
Understanding why your car shakes when braking is important from a safety and maintenance perspective.
Continue reading to know the major causes of car shaking when braking and when to call a professional car repair service in Adelaide.
Understanding The Basics
Braking should always be smooth and even. If the car vibrates when braking, it is a sign that something in the vehicle is out of balance or worn out. The way the vibration presents itself may vary depending on where the underlying problem lies.
If you have ever wondered, “Is it dangerous when my car shakes when I brake?”. The answer is yes, it can be. Neglecting to solve these vibrations can increase the amount of wear on your brake, weaken braking performance, and jeopardise your car’s safety.
1. Warped Brake Rotors
This is one of the most frequent causes of automobile vibrations during braking. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads fit into the flat and disc-shaped parts called rotors. They may have been warped by intense heat created during braking or uneven wear. The brake pedal or steering wheel may vibrate, particularly when there is an increased speed.
Solution:
The brake inspection can indicate whether your rotors are unbalanced or not. Rotors are frequently re-surfaced. When they are too thin or severely distorted, it is safe to replace them. Rotor checks and replacements can be effectively done through regular brake service Adelaide.
2. Worn-Out Brake Pads
One of the most common parts of the maintenance work in any vehicle is the brake pad replacement. Pads degenerate with time and cannot grip evenly. In case of uneven wear, you will get a vibrating sensation when stepping on the pedal.
There are also some types of brake pads that contain wear indicators that produce a squealing sound when the pad is expiring. By ignoring this caution, you may get metal-to-metal contact, which wears off and epitomises the vibration that you experience.
Solution:
To monitor the state of your pad wear, regular vehicle servicing Adelaide can make sure that they are replaced before the issues arise. It is prudent to adhere to the maintenance schedule of your car manufacturer and consult your car mechanic to give suggestions on the best options for brake pads.
3. Uneven Brake Wear
The friction generated during braking is not evenly distributed when the brakes are not worn evenly. This results in your car vibrating when you brake while driving. This may happen in case of getting stuck callipers, incorrectly installed pads or even machining rotors in an irregular manner.
Solution:
The early detection of uneven wear of the brakes can be achieved by a mere brake inspection. Mechanics are able to clean, lubricate, and reposition callipers or pads to provide equal force to all the wheels. Early repair of the problem will also increase the lifespan of your braking parts.
4. Wheel Alignment or Suspension Issues
Occasionally, it is not only the brakes. Vibration during braking can also be a result of wheel alignment issues or damaged suspension elements. When the alignment of the tyres is not correct, the imbalance may be increased by braking, particularly at high speeds.
Similarly, a broken or worn-out suspension component, such as a control arm or bushings, can lead to shaking despite having good brakes.
Solution:
Checks of wheel alignment and suspension tests can be conducted by a qualified car repair Adelaide. Not only will alignment be corrected to prevent the vibration, but also tyre life and fuel efficiency are enhanced.
5. Sticking Brake Callipers
The brake callipers are responsible for pressing the brake pads against the rotor. A calliper can get stuck on dirt or corrosion and apply uneven force while braking. This may be noticeable with a specific vibration or pulling sensation while braking. You may also notice a burning smell around the affected wheel or smoke after long-distance driving.
Solution:
You can get your system cleaned and serviced by a professional offering brake service Adelaide. When a calliper is spoiled, it is likely to be cheaper to replace it than to have it repaired many times.
6. Faulty or Worn Tyres
The tyres are very important in the feel of your car during braking. When they are not in balance, they are torn, and there are flat spots. You will feel the shaking during deceleration. Vibrations can also be exacerbated by low tyre pressure or a torn tread.
Solution:
Make frequent tyre rotations and checks on tyre pressure. In case the shaking does not stop, then search for a “car mechanic near me”. They will rebalance or replace your tyres. Regular tyre change not only minimises the vibrations, but also improves your car’s safety and comfort while driving.
7. Loose or Worn Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings attach the axle to the wheel hub. This makes it easy to turn. Once they wear out, the bearings may start humming or grinding, and eventually, the car shakes when braking and turning.
It will result in wheel wobble or maybe a complete failure of the wheel if ignored. It will become a critical car safety issue.
Solution:
Get a professional checkup from your closest vehicle servicing Adelaide centre. Worn bearings will be replaced before additional damage is done to the suspension and brake components.
8. Brake Problems in Cars: Warning Signs To Watch For
There are many occasions when your car provides you with a warning signal of a significant problem with braking. The following are some of the red flags to consider when car scratch repair:
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- The brake pedal is soft or spongy.
- Braking sounds, grinding, squealing or metallic noises.
- Shakes pulls the steering wheel to one side.
- The car will require more time to come to a stop than usual.
- Smoking around the wheels after braking.
These are the symptoms of brake issues in automobiles that should be addressed instantly. Being aware of signs of bad brakes will enable you to take fast action, save money and avoid risky outcomes.
How To Fix Car Shaking When Braking?
If you are wondering how to stop the car shaking, you should get a professional check. A trusted workshop that provides brake service in Adelaide can check your pads and alignment and find the problem.
For small issues, re-surfacing rotors, car scratch repair or balancing tyres may be enough. You may need a part, such as callipers or rotors, replaced for larger issues. Always choose a certified technician to ensure a long-lasting solution, as they will be able to help in fixing brake vibration.
Conclusion
When your car shakes when braking, then it needs to get it checked. This could be warped brake rotors, worn out unevenly, or wheel alignment. Addressing these issues promptly from the beginning helps maintain better safety and comfort when driving. Most brake noise and vibration can be avoided by maintaining your vehicle.
The certified mechanics for car scratch repair are trained to fix everything from brake pad replacement to brake vibration with care and accuracy. Book your car’s next servicing in Adelaide today to get the smooth and confident braking that your car needs.
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