For the average driver, the inner workings of their vehicle are a mystery that they don’t have the time to grasp fully. However, when they’re on the road, they can pick up on subtle and not-so-subtle cues that their car has an issue that needs to be addressed. One such problem is when your vehicle starts to shake every time you apply the brakes.
With your braking system, any perceived issues should be taken care of immediately so you and your passengers can have a safe driving experience. If you have experienced this phenomenon, you immediately start asking yourself — why does my car shake when I brake, and what can I do about it?
The Possible Causes
Before you can start getting under the hood and trying to diagnose what’s wrong with your car, you need to know what you’re looking for in the first place. When it comes to your car shaking while braking, some common causes can help you focus on what is wrong with your vehicle. These can include the following:
- Unbalanced Wheels
- Front-End Alignment Is Out of Whack
- Damaged Control Arms
- Busted Axle Shaft
- Loose Lug Nuts
You can handle some of these underlying causes on your own, but for the most part, they require the hand of a seasoned mechanic with years of experience working on different types of vehicles. They can pinpoint your car’s exact problem and know how to fix it. However, if your vehicle only shakes while you’re braking, it could point to a more severe problem with your brake system.
What It Means If Your Car Shakes Only When Braking
Over time, your brakes will start to suffer from regular wear and tear. The more you use the system, the quicker components like your brake pads will deteriorate. If your car is shaking when you hit the brakes, it could indicate the areas around your pads have worn away. Additionally, the heat generated by these repetitive actions can cause significant damage to the rotor.
Does the Type of Braking System Matter?
While most modern cars employ a disk braking system, they aren’t the only type of system out there on the road. Some vehicles use drum brakes, and even some that have the disk version for their front end have the drum variety for their rear wheels. So while each performs the same function, the reason behind the shaking can prove different in each one.
Drum brakes that have become “out of round” can cause audible disruption and vibrations that signify an issue with your system. One of our expertly trained repair technicians can inspect your system for signs of scoring and other signs of damage. In some cases, we can repair the damage by machining the affected area, but at some point, you’ll need new brakes — that’s where Lubemaster comes into play.
Get Your Car Checked Out by the Best Brake Technicians in Philadelphia, PA
Drivers shouldn’t worry about what their shaking and vibrating brakes mean for their overall safety and performance. Instead of letting these brake problems weigh you down, you can bring your vehicle in to be checked out by the Lubemaster team in no time!
For drivers looking to get their cars looked at by the best in the Greater Philadelphia area, Lubemaster provides our customers with the best vehicle repair services around. Our expertly trained technicians can identify the underlying causes of your vehicle’s issues and provide the necessary fixes to get you safely back on the road.
To schedule your next service appointment, contact our team specializing in brake repairs in Philadelphia, PA, today!
