Your car’s brakes are one of the most pivotal safety features, but sometimes they just don’t feel right. One problem that can occur is pulsating or wobbling when slowing down. This can make the car feel unsafe to drive and increase the risk of accidents. The good news is that there are solutions to this problem. This piece will go over the common causes of wobbling or vibration when braking and what can be done to fix it.

Warped Rotors

The most common cause of pulsating brakes is warped rotors. Rotors can be warped due to excess heat and friction or if they’ve been worn down too much. This causes them to push and pull on the brake pads unevenly, resulting in a shaking sensation. One way to fix this issue is by resurfacing or replacing the rotors. Resurfacing is usually cheaper, but it’s not always an option and may not solve the problem long-term.

Loose Lug Nuts

If you notice the vibration coming from one wheel rather than the whole car, it could be due to loose lug nuts. This is a simple fix that you can do yourself. All you need is a lug wrench to tighten the nuts to the recommended torque specification. Be sure to do this in a star pattern to evenly distribute the pressure.

Bad Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings can also cause wobbling or vibration when braking. This is because the wheel starts wobbling side-to-side rather than spinning smoothly. If you hear a humming sound from the wheels and the shaking is getting worse, it might be a sign that the bearings are getting bad. Replacing wheel bearings can be costly, but it’s important to do it sooner rather than later to avoid damage to other parts of the car.

Uneven Brake Pads

If the brake pads are unevenly worn, it can cause pulsation or wobbling. This is because the pads are pressing unevenly against the rotor. To resolve the issue, replace the brake pads with new ones and ensure their proper installation. It’s also important to have the rotors checked for wear or damage, as new pads installed on bad rotors can cause the issue to reoccur.

Hydraulic Issues

Lastly, hydraulic problems can also contribute to brake pulsation. This can be caused by air in the brake lines, a failing master cylinder, or contaminated brake fluid. Bleeding the brake system or replacing the master cylinder may be necessary to fix this issue.

Having wobbling or vibration when braking can be a scary experience, but it’s important to remember that there are solutions to the problem. By pinpointing the root cause and implementing the required measures to resolve it, you can guarantee the safety of your vehicle and avert any potential harm to your brakes. Performing regular maintenance and inspections can also proactively mitigate the occurrence of these issues. Remember, don’t ignore a brake problem; take care of it as soon as possible.

To learn more about car repair, contact a professional near you. 

Share