If you’ve ever felt your car shaking or vibrating when you hit the brakes, you know it can be an unsettling experience. You might feel the vibration in the brake pedal, steering wheel, or even the whole car. Not only is it annoying, but it can also be a sign of a serious problem with your braking system. As a mobile mechanic, I’ve seen this issue many times, and I’m here to help you understand what might be causing it and what to do about it.
Too long; didn’t read (TL;DR)
Some common reasons why a car shakes when you hit the brakes include;
- Brake rotors are wearing out: over time, brake rotors can get uneven or warped, which leads to vibrations when you brake.
- Brake calliper sticking: when a brake calliper gets stuck and doesn’t fully release, it can create friction on one wheel, resulting in shaking.
- Suspension problems: if components, like ball joints, control arm bushings, or tie rod ends, are worn out or damaged, the wheels may wobble noticeably when braking.
- Tyres being unbalanced: when tyres are not balanced properly, the steering wheel may vibrate at speeds, especially when slowing down.
Get a My Auto Shop technician out to take a look by booking via the button below:
Symptoms and causes of a shaking car when braking
There are a few different reasons why your car might shake when you apply the brakes:
- Warped brake rotors: If your brake rotors are warped or have variations in thickness, the brake pads won’t make even contact. This can cause the brake pedal to pulsate or the steering wheel to shake when braking.
- Worn brake drums: If your car has rear drum brakes, worn or out-of-round drums can cause a vibration when braking, along with a scraping or squealing noise.
- Bad wheel bearings: Worn wheel bearings that have too much play can cause a vibration when braking since the brake rotor is connected to the wheel bearing hub assembly.
- Steering and suspension issues: While worn steering or suspension components usually cause a vibration while driving, in some cases a damaged component like a loose control arm can cause a vibration specifically when braking.
What’s involved in fixing a car that shakes when braking
To fix a car that shakes when braking, the first step is to have the problem properly diagnosed by a professional mechanic. They’ll visually inspect your braking system components, measure your brake rotors and drums, and check for any steering or suspension issues.
In most cases, the fix will involve replacing or resurfacing the brake rotors or drums. If they’re too worn or damaged, they’ll need to be replaced. If they’re still within specifications, they may be able to be machined and reused.
Bad wheel bearings will need to be replaced, often as part of the whole hub assembly. And any worn steering or suspension components will need to be replaced to stop the shaking.
The cost of brake repairs in New Zealand
So what’s this going to cost you? Of course, it depends on your specific vehicle and what parts need to be replaced. But in general, here’s what you can expect for some common brake repairs in New Zealand:
- Brake pads and rotors: $300-$600;
- Brake drums: $200-$400 per drum;
- Wheel bearings: $200-$500 per bearing;
- Suspension components: $100-$600 per component.
Keep in mind these are just rough estimates – the best way to get an accurate cost is to have your car inspected by a trusted mechanic.
Why choose My Auto Shop for brake repairs
At My Auto Shop, we understand that brake problems can be stressful. That’s why we offer convenient, mobile brake repair services across New Zealand. Our skilled mechanics will come to you, whether you’re at home or at work, to diagnose and fix your brake issues quickly and efficiently.
We pride ourselves on our upfront, transparent pricing – you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden fees or surprises. And with our focus on customer service, you can trust that you and your car are in good hands.
So if your car is shaking when braking, don’t ignore it – get it checked out by the mobile brake experts at My Auto Shop. Book your service today and get back to safe, smooth driving!