QA

Quick Answer: Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake At High Speed

Brake shudder is a vibration that is felt through the steering wheel, brake pedal, and suspension when the brakes are applied at high speeds. Brake shudder can be caused by a number of things including damaged rotors, malfunctioning calipers, or new brake pads that have not been properly broken in after replacement.

Is it bad if my car shakes when I brake?

If you feel the shaking or vibration in your steering wheel and your brake pedal, it could be your rotors. The rotors get pressed by the brake pad to help slow your vehicle down, and if the rotors are out of balance, this could be causing the vibrating tremors that you feel in the pedal and steering wheel.

What causes vibration while braking?

Brake vibration, or what can also be referred to as a shaking or pulsation, often is the result of parts of the disc brake’s rotor being thinner than others instead of uniform all around. In more serious cases of warped rotors, the whole vehicle can shake or the steering pull when the driver hits the brakes.

How do I stop my car shaking when I brake?

An auto mechanic may be able to adjust, shim or resurface the rotors to compensate for the unevenness, but replacing them is a surer bet, and a relatively easy DIY job for those comfortable under the hood, too. And, some mechanics recommend that you always replace rotors and brake pads at the same time.

Why does my car shake when I brake at 60 mph?

Brake rotors are just one of the reasons for your car to be shaking. Car/Steering Wheel Shakes Between 50-60 MPH – If you’re feeling a strong vibrating feeling in your steering wheel as you approach highway speeds, then it’s likely that your tires are out of balance and need to be rotated or aligned.

Can brake rotors cause vibration at high speeds?

Your brake rotor is connected to the car’s brake pads and together are responsible for stopping the car. Typically, if your vibration increases with speed, and you smell a burning noise when running the car, warped brake rotors are likely the cause of your vibrations.

How much does it cost to balance rotors?

Your rotors can be turned (rotated), machines and still be within factory guidelines, but this usually leaves them thin whereby leaving them to warp or vibrate. The cost for turning a rotor runs anywhere from $15 to $25 per rotor.

What causes vibration at high speeds?

The most prevalent cause of vibration is problems with your wheels or tires. The potential problems include improper wheel and tire balance, uneven tire wear, separated tire tread, out of round tires, damaged wheels and even loose lug nuts. Wheel alignment should also be performed at proper intervals.

How do I know if my caliper is sticking?

If the piston is stuck within the caliper, or the pad is stuck, the car can feel down on power (as if the parking brake is on). You may also notice the car pulling to one side with the steering wheel pointed straight, when cruising and not applying the brake. As you drive, the seized brake may also get hot – very hot.

Why does car shake at 70 mph?

Tyres that are out of balance will cause a vehicle to vibrate at higher speeds (usually around 50–70mph). Out-of-balance tyres can cause vibration in the steering wheel, through the seat, and through the floor (steering wheel – front tyres; seat/floor – back tyres).

Why does my car shake when I accelerate over 70 mph?

The shaking is typical of a tire that is out of balance. Tires are balanced with metal weights. Over time, weights can come off. The other possible problem is that one of the tires is damaged and has a cord separation, which could cause the vibration and lead to a tire blowout.

Why does my car shakes between 50 and 60 mph?

The most common reason for a car to shake is related to tires. If the tires are out of balance then the steering wheel can shake. This shaking starts at around 50-55 miles per hour (mph). It gets worse around 60 mph but starts to get better at high speeds.

Can brake discs cause vibration?

Brake shudder arises as a result of issues with the brake discs. If your brake discs are unevenly worn the brake pads come in contact with the flat spots present in the rotor’s surface which causes the vibration that we call brake shudder.

How do you tell if your rotors need resurfacing?

Your rotors may need attention if you’ve noticed any of the following: Vibrations in your steering wheel when braking. Vibrations in your brake pedal when you use your brakes. Wobbling wheels, possibly from worn-out wheel bearings that could lead to warped rotors or uneven brake pad wear.

Does AutoZone turn rotors free?

Turning rotors is a part of your regular maintenance schedule that increases the longevity of your brakes. The cheapest place to turn your rotors is O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, although not every store offers this service. Alternate options include Pep Boys, Jiffy Lube, and AutoZone.

Are rotors worth turning?

Turning a rotor allows for smooth braking action and creates less heat then those that are warped. Typically you want to have your rotors turned every other brake change. This ensures that they remain free of debris and do not warp. This will ensure the maximum amount of life to the brake pads.