QA

Question: Car Shakes When Applying Brakes

One of the more common reasons for your car shaking when you apply the brakes is due to substances gripping the rotor. In turn, the brake pad pushes down on the rotors to stop the vehicle’s wheels from spinning. Over time, brake pads accumulate oil, dirt, or other materials.

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 the front end of my car shake when I apply the brakes?

The biggest reason for this shaking problem is the condition of your rotors – the disc your brake pad clamps down on when you apply your brakes. Most commonly, the vibration happens because the rotors have some kind of imperfection on their surface or they have changed shape (warped) over time.

Why does my car shake when I slow down or brake?

There are several explanations for car shaking when braking: One of your tires could be badly “out of round” A wheel could be unbalanced having lost its counterweight. You might even have a case of loose lug nuts, giving the wheel a chance to wobble that becomes especially noticeable as you slow down.

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.

How much does it cost to fix a warped rotor?

Like the brake pads, the brake discs can eventually wear out as well. If you want to replace your brake discs then it will cost you between $200 and $400 for the parts and about $150 for the labor. This means you are looking at around $400 to $500 total for a brake rotor replacement job.

How do you know if you have air in your brake lines?

Symptoms that can indicate you have air in your brake lines include the following: Brake pedal feels spongy when you press down. Brakes feel soft and not as effective as they usually are. Brake pedal depressed too much or goes to the floor.

Can a bad axle cause vibration when braking?

A damaged axle can cause suspension vibration, oftentimes fairly severe shaking. This shaking will usually get worse as your reach higher speeds, and it’s important to address axle issues as soon as possible.

What is death wobble?

Death wobble is used to describe a series of sudden, often violent front suspension vibrations exhibited by solid front axle suspensions, and more infrequently, independent front suspensions. Even just one death wobble incident can cause permanent—and dangerous—suspension or steering damage.

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.

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.

Does AutoZone still turn rotors?

Like an O’Reilly Auto Parts shop, AutoZone may offer to replace your brake rotors if they have a mechanic’s service in the back. Many auto parts stores are built-in with mechanic shops in larger cities, as the two work together.

Is it OK to drive with warped rotors?

driving with warped rotors is not considered safe, and the brake rotors can eventually crack or break, leaving the vehicle at an extreme loss of braking power. when brake rotors become warped, the amount of force moving the steering wheel back and forth may be violent, and enough to lose control of the steering wheel.

What do warped brake rotors feel like?

Probably the most common sign of a warped brake rotor is the vibration through the brake pedals when pressure is applied on them. Sometimes you can feel it even when there is only a light amount of pedal pressure on the brakes. Other times, it can only be felt when slowing down drastically from higher speeds.

What causes brakes to pulsate?

“Hot Spots” or Heat Scores The grooved lines in the rotor create build up, which creates “hot spots,” and the friction creates brake pulsation. These are usually caused by a stuck brake caliper piston, sticking brake caliper slider, or a sticking brake pad.

Will air work itself out of brake lines?

Question Answered: Will air in brake lines go away? No, not on its own. You will have to have someone bleed the brakes to get the air out of the lines. They do this by forcing brake fluid down the lines until the new brake fluid forces the air out of the lines.

Can air in brake lines cause vibration?

Air Trapped In the Brake Lines If air gets into a brake line, it can produce uneven pressure across the brake calipers and pads, which could make the car shake when you apply the brakes.

Is it bad to drive with air in your brake line?

Brake fluid keeps your brake pedal from sticking when you drive. If air enters the brake line, it can cause the pedal to move closer to the floorboard over time. The brake pedal begins to feel spongy or soft when you press it. A spongy brake pedal can go out at any time, which places you at risk for an accident.