Vehicle Shakes When Braking

Auto Repair

Vehicle Shakes When Braking

Vehicle shakes when braking, known as brake pulsation, is caused by the brake rotors and or drums being out of round or warped.

Overheating of the brake rotors and drums are the main cause of this warping. Prolonged braking and riding the brakes will cause heat to build up quicker then it can dissipate. The slower dissipation of heat from the prolonged braking will cause the rotors and drums to warp. Changing of ones braking habits can help prevent this warping. Example, on steep down hills, maintains a safe speed with less braking by downshifting the transmission to a lower gear. Most people who ride their brake pedal do so because they are following to close.

Another cause of warping is from some of the lower costing brake pads and shoes. The materials in some of these less expensive brake pads and shoes heat up much quicker with less braking and warping will occur more easily. In the end, the cost of the repairs caused by the less expensive parts will far exceed the money initially saved.

A third cause is improper tightening sequence and torque of the lug nuts. Check the owner’s manual here for proper tightening sequence and torque.

Once the warping occurs, the only repair is machining of the warped brake rotors and drums or their replacement.

Auto Repair