Why is your car shaking when you brake at high speeds?

Car shaking when braking at high speeds is a common problem that can have various causes. Some of the most likely ones are warped rotors and worn or damaged brake components.

If you have ever experienced a car shaking when you brake at high speeds, you know how scary and frustrating it can be. You may wonder what is causing the problem and how to fix it. In this article, we will explain some of the possible reasons why your car shakes when you brake at high speeds and what you can do to solve it.

Warped rotors

One of the most common causes of car shaking when braking at high speeds is warped rotors. Rotors are the metal discs that your brake pads clamp onto to stop your wheels from spinning. If the rotors are warped, they will not be perfectly flat and smooth, and they will cause your brake pads to vibrate when they contact them. This vibration will then be transmitted to your steering wheel, your car body, or both, depending on which rotors are warped.

Rotors can become warped due to excessive heat, wear and tear, or sudden temperature changes. For example, if you brake hard for a long time, the rotors can overheat and warp. Or if you drive through a puddle of water with hot rotors, the sudden cooling can also warp them.

To check if your rotors are warped, you can look for signs of uneven wear, such as grooves, ridges, or cracks on the surface. You can also measure the thickness of the rotors with a micrometer and compare it to the manufacturer's specifications. If the rotors are warped, they will need to be either resurfaced or replaced by a professional mechanic.

Read Also: When to Replace the Brakes: A Comprehensive Guide for Drivers.

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Worn or damaged brake components

Another possible cause of car shaking when braking at high speeds is worn or damaged brake components. These include brake pads, calipers, hoses, lines, and master cylinder. If any of these parts are worn out, loose, leaking, or malfunctioning, they can affect the braking performance and cause vibration.

For example, if your brake pads are worn out, they will not provide enough friction to stop your wheels smoothly and evenly. Or if your calipers are loose or stuck, they will not apply even pressure to the brake pads and rotors. Or if your brake hoses or lines are leaking or clogged, they will not deliver enough brake fluid to the calipers and cause a loss of hydraulic pressure. Or if your master cylinder is faulty, it will not generate enough force to activate the brakes properly.

To check if your brake components are worn or damaged, you can inspect them visually for signs of wear, corrosion, cracks, leaks, or deformation. You can also listen for any unusual noises, such as squeaking, grinding, or hissing when you brake. If you find any problems with your brake components, you should have them repaired or replaced by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

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Other possible causes

Besides warped rotors and worn or damaged brake components, there are some other possible causes of car shaking when braking at high speeds. These include:

1. - Wheel bearing worn: Wheel bearings are the parts that allow your wheels to spin freely and smoothly. If they are worn out or damaged, they can cause your wheels to wobble or make noise when you brake.
2. - Tie rod or ball joint with excessive play: Tie rods and ball joints are the parts that connect your steering system to your wheels. If they have too much play or movement, they can cause your steering wheel to shake or pull when you brake.
3. - Wheel alignment or balance off: Wheel alignment and balance are the adjustments that ensure your wheels are positioned and weighted correctly. If they are off, they can cause your car to vibrate or pull to one side when you brake. 
4. - Tire pressure or condition uneven: Tire pressure and condition are the factors that affect how your tires grip the road. If they are uneven or poor, they can cause your car to shake or skid when you brake.

To check if any of these factors are causing your car shaking when braking at high speeds, you can have your wheels and tires inspected and serviced by a professional mechanic. They can check for any signs of wear, damage, or misalignment and correct them accordingly.

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Conclusion

Car shaking when braking at high speeds is a common problem that can have various causes. Some of the most likely ones are warped rotors and worn or damaged brake components. However, there are also some other factors that can contribute to the problem, such as wheel bearing worn, tie rod or ball joint with excessive play, wheel alignment or balance off, tire pressure or condition uneven.

If you notice your car shaking when braking at high speeds, you should not ignore it as it can compromise your safety and damage your vehicle further. You should try to identify the cause of the problem and have it fixed by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. 

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