Is a shaking car giving you nervous shakes? Vibrations in your vehicle and steering wheel can be a bit jarring. Worn tires are the most common cause of your vehicle’s shaky operation, but if the vibration seems to correspond with the act of braking the pedal, it can be a sign your brake components need replacing.
Causes of a shaky car when pressing the brake
It’s one of the most common issues a vehicle can have. When you press on your brake, your steering wheel shakes back and forth. So, what causes a car to shake when braking?
Worn or Unbalanced Tires
If your wheels are not balanced, it could be a reason why your steering wheel is wobbling. This symptom can get worse when you drive your vehicle at high speeds as the shaking is transferred to your steering wheel.
Issues with Brake Rotors
If the brake rotors are out of balance or warped, the vehicle can jerk to a stop or rapidly vibrate depending on your driving conditions.
Worn or Dirty Brake Pads
If the brake pads are worn or filled with dirt and debris, the area of the rotor under the brake pads can collect these substances, causing the car to pulsate when braking.
Brake Calipers
The brake calipers’ role is to press the brake pads against the rotor. If it fails to push the pads properly, it can lead to a vibration in the steering wheel. Dust collection, wear, or corrosion can make your brake calipers fail to equalize the force between the pads.