Vibration when braking, often referred to as brake shudder or judder, happens mostly due to issues with the braking system and can be felt through the steering wheel, brake pedal, or even the vehicle’s body. Here are the main causes and explanations:
- Warped or Uneven Brake Rotors: Over time, brake rotors can wear unevenly or become warped due to heat generated from friction while braking. This uneven surface causes the brake pads to grab inconsistently, leading to vibrations, especially noticeable when braking at higher speeds. The vibration is often felt in the steering wheel if the front rotors are affected and in the brake pedal if the rear rotors have issues.
- Worn, Damaged, or Contaminated Brake Pads: Brake pads that are worn out, warped, or contaminated with dirt, oil, or other substances can cause vibrations and sometimes squeaking sounds. They fail to grip the rotor smoothly, causing a pulsating feel when braking.
- Brake Caliper Problems: If brake calipers do not press the pads evenly due to wear, corrosion, or sticking, this can cause uneven braking force, resulting in vibrations or pulling to one side during braking.
- Suspension or Wheel Alignment Issues: Misalignment or worn suspension components like ball joints, tie rods, or wheel bearings can cause vibrations that become noticeable when braking. These issues can also contribute to uneven tire wear which exacerbates shaking.
- Tire Problems: Unbalanced or unevenly worn tires can cause vibrations, but if the vibration corresponds specifically to braking, brake components are often the primary cause.
In summary, vibration when braking usually signals trouble with rotors (warped or uneven), brake pads, calipers, or suspension components. It is important to get such symptoms checked promptly to ensure safe and effective braking.
