Why Does My Car Shake When Braking?

Whether you drive a new or used vehicle, if your car shakes when braking, you are likely concerned about its safety and drivability on the roads of Bell Gardens, Downey, and beyond—and understandably so. “But,” you may be asking, “why does my car shake when braking?” Several potential causes can trigger this phenomenon. Learn about some of the more common ones in the following guide from Nissan of Downtown L.A..

Causes of Car Shakes When Braking

In many cases, a car shakes when braking if there’s a problem with one of the brake system components. But this isn’t the only possible cause. So, why does your car shake when braking? Here are just a few reasons:

• Suspension Problems – Issues with the suspension system can impair the stability of your vehicle, which in turn causes shaking upon braking.
• Tire Misalignments – When your tires are misaligned, you may experience bumpier performance all around, including when braking.
• Warped Brake Rotors – As time passes and rotors wear out, they generate heat that can make the brake pads contact the rotors unevenly. This leads to vibration in the steering column and shaking when bringing the vehicle to a stop.
• Worn Brake Pads – Brake pads also wear out naturally over time, and as they do, they become less able to produce the friction required to bring the vehicle to a smooth stop. The result? Shaking when braking.

Repairs for a Car That Shakes When Braking

Now that we’ve taken a look at why your car shakes when braking, let’s see what it will take to repair problems like those detailed above. The cause determines the repair we’ll perform at our service center near Huntington Park.

• If the suspension is the cause, you may need to replace worn or damaged parts like tie rods or ball joints.
• Misaligned tires can be fixed with professional tire balancing.
• If your brake pads are worn down or damaged, replacing them will likely remedy the problem.
• For warped rotors, you may have to have them replaced or resurfaced to stop vehicle shaking.

Schedule Brake Service at Nissan of Downtown L.A.

For the continued safety and dependability of your vehicle, make it a priority to schedule prompt repairs if your car shakes when braking. Contact us to set up an appointment or use our online scheduling tool. And don’t miss our service tips, which offer guidance on caring for your vehicle in between visits to our Los Angeles service center. We look forward to the opportunity to help keep your car, truck, or SUV running at its best for the years ahead.