Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When I Brake?

February 13, 2023 5:42 pm Published by Leave your thoughts
If your steering wheel shakes when you brake, it’s a problem that should be addressed right away. It could indicate a serious issue that may threaten your vehicle’s safety or longevity, so it’s important to get it looked at as soon as possible. There are a variety of common culprits for this, from worn brake pads to dry guide pins and warped rotors. It’s always best to have a qualified mechanic examine your car before you drive it.

Worn Brake Pads

Worn brake pads are the most common culprit for a steering wheel shaking when you brake or stop. Essentially, when your pads get worn down, they’re not able to clamp down on the rotor properly. Brake pads wear out due to driving styles, environmental conditions and a host of other factors. Typically, a set of pads is designed to last around 50,000 miles.
However, if you’re noticing that your brake pads are starting to go down in thickness faster than they should be, it’s time to replace them. Most cars feature pads with built-in wear indicators that trigger dashboard warning lights or even a loud squealing sound to let you know they need changing.

Dry Guide Pins

One of the most common causes of a steering wheel shaking when you brake or stop is dry guide pins. These are little metal rails that your brake caliper slides along when it applies pressure to the outside brake pad and clinches down against your rotor. But if they’re dry or corroded, your caliper won’t slide properly. And the brake pads won’t press down effectively either, which can cause a steering wheel to shake.
So, if you have dry guide pins, you need to get them lubricated as soon as possible. It’ll pay big dividends in your brake system. You could also lubricate your guide pins by mixing a high-temperature grease with a silicone paste. However, be sure you choose the right type of lubricant, as various products are incompatible with each other. If you use the wrong kind of lubricant, it will accelerate the failure of your guide pins.

Warped Rotor

If your steering wheel shakes when you brake or stop, it may be a sign that your brake rotors are warped. The brake rotors are made from metal, and they heat up because of the friction between the rotor and the brake pads. The metals become softer when they are heated, and this can cause your rotors to warp. It is also possible to have your rotors warp due to poor driving habits. This can include slamming your brakes at high speeds and overheating them. The rotors are important to the braking system because they provide a surface for the calipers to clamp onto. If your rotors are faulty, it is important to fix them as soon as possible!

Axle Issues

The axle is a major component of your vehicle that receives power from the engine and transmission and transfers it to the wheels. It is a crucial part of your car and must be repaired promptly when any issues arise. If your steering wheel shakes when you brake or stop, the most likely culprit is an axle issue. If your front or rear drive axle gets bent due to running over a pothole or getting into an accident, you will experience a lot of shaking while driving, even when you are not braking. Axles are the most important element of your vehicle and should be inspected regularly by your service center or auto body shop. If you notice any of the following symptoms, schedule an inspection immediately.

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