Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake​ at High Speeds?

One of the most unnerving experiences you can have is cruising along a highway when you tap your brakes to slow down and your whole car shakes. The steering wheel shakes in your hands, your foot shakes on the pedal, and your sense of security goes right out the door. While this is a prevalent problem that we hear on a regular basis at our trusted auto repair services at Arrowhead Imports, it is never a wise idea to ignore it. Your car is trying to tell you something when it shakes in this manner.

We want to assist you in understanding just what may be happening under your car in order to make informed decisions as to your car’s upkeep. Why does my car shake when I brake? Let's examine the most common sources of this alarming vibration.

Common Reasons for a Shaking Vehicle While Braking

The braking system is a combination of many parts all working in tandem to stop a mass of metal weighing thousands of pounds. When a part starts to wear at a different rate or fails, a smooth friction is interrupted, creating a vibration - leaving you to wonder, my car shakes when I brake - why?

Worn or Warped Brake Rotors

The problem most often attributed to a vibration during high-speed braking is a problem with your brake rotors. Brake rotors are simply large metal discs that your brake pads press against in order to slow your wheels from turning. However, when you apply friction to slow your wheels, you are left with a lot of heat. 

Eventually, this heat can cause your brake rotors to warp. Warping simply means that your brake rotors will no longer be flat. As a result, your brake pads will bounce up and down on your rotors, creating a vibration in your brake pedal or your steering wheel. So, ‘my car shakes when I hit the brakes’, this is the first potential issue. 

Issues with Brake Calipers

Your car’s braking system involves your calipers, which push your brake pads onto your rotors. But sometimes, your calipers can become stuck or seize, which means they won't release your rotors when you remove your foot from the brakes. Such friction can cause your rotors to overheat, resulting in warping. 

Other times, your calipers can put inconsistent pressure on your brakes, making your car shake when you try to brake, signaling that there may be a caliper malfunction or uneven braking pressure.

Suspension Issues

Why does my car shake when I brake at high speeds? The answer isn't always just about brakes.

Brake systems are most likely considered the culprits, but it is your suspension system that equally contributes towards handling braking in your car. When your shock absorbers, struts, or control arm bushings are worn out, they will not be in a position to keep your tires in constant contact with the road during braking.

Tire Problems

Your tires are the only part of your car in actual contact with the road. If your tires are imbalanced or have mismatched worn tread, at higher speeds a vibration is a natural consequence. Applying your brakes will see you transfer your weight forward, which in turn will make you experience this imbalance far more acutely than you do when you are simply coasting.

How We Diagnose the Issue

To identify the cause, a professional assessment may be necessary because these symptoms have many similarities.

Visual Inspection

Our service at Arrowhead Imports begins with lifting the car up using a car lift. The tires may be removed in order to inspect the surface of the rotors for blue heat spots or grooves. Additionally, we may check if the calipers move freely and check for excessive movement in tie rods and ball joints.

Test Driving

Before using a wrench, a pre-test drive is common in a car before carrying out any repairs. We take notice of when exactly this vibration takes place. Is it in the steering wheel? Then, most likely, it is in the front rotors. Perhaps it is in the seat. Then the problem is likely with the rear brakes.

Don't Ignore the Shake

A vibrating brake pedal can be a nuisance and a hazard. Your stopping distance will increase, and your control of your car will lessen. Should you notice your car vibrating when you press your brakes at higher speeds, have your car checked right away. After our repair facility, your car will stop as smoothly as it drives!