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Vibration When Braking

A pulsing brake pedal or shaking steering wheel when braking usually comes from uneven brake discs.

High risk

Have it checked promptly. Braking can be less effective and the cause can get worse.

Short answer · Why does my car shake when I brake?

Usually the brake discs have uneven thickness, often called warped discs, so the pads grip unevenly. You feel it as a pulsing pedal or shaking steering wheel. Sticking calipers and worn suspension parts can also cause it. Have the discs measured.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Notice where you feel itSteering wheel points to the front brakes; seat or pedal can be the rear.
  2. Check for heat after drivingOne wheel much hotter than others can mean a sticking caliper.Do not touch hot brake parts.
  3. Note if the ABS is workingABS pulsing on a slippery road is normal and different.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Does it happen only when braking?Points to discs.
  2. Is it worse from high speed?Typical for uneven discs.
  3. Is there a pulling to one side?Can mean a sticking caliper.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Uneven brake discsThickness variation.
  2. Pad material depositsUneven layers on the disc.
  3. Sticking caliperUneven heating.
  4. Worn suspension bushesMovement under braking.

Questions about Vibration When Braking

Can discs be skimmed?

Some can, if they stay above the minimum thickness. Often replacement is the better option.

Is ABS pulsing the same as this?

No. ABS pulses only during hard braking on slippery surfaces.