As a driver, you may have experienced a shaking or vibration in your steering wheel when applying the brakes.
This can be a worrying experience, as it can make you feel like you're losing control of your vehicle.
But don't worry - you're not alone. Many drivers have experienced this issue, and fortunately, there are solutions available.
In this article, we'll explore 11 possible reasons the steering wheel shakes when you brake.
We'll also provide you with solutions to each problem, so you can get back on the road with confidence.
The Causes of Steering Wheel Shake When Apply Brake
There are several reasons why your steering wheel may shake or vibrate when you apply the brakes.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Warped Brake Rotors
- Uneven Brake Pads
- Loose or Worn Suspension Components
- Unbalance Tire
- Low Tire Pressure
- Faulty Wheel Bearings
- Sticky Brake Calipers
- Misaligned Wheels
- Faulty Power Steering System
- Faulty Anti-Lock Braking System
- Uneven Road Surfaces
Warped Brake Rotors
The brake rotors are the discs that the brake pads clamp down on to slow down your vehicle.
Over time, these rotors can become warped due to heat, wear, and tear, or even just normal use.
When this happens, the rotors no longer spin evenly, and this can cause the steering wheel to shake when you apply the brakes.
If your brake rotors are warped, You'll need to have your brake rotors resurfaced or replaced, depending on the severity of the issue.
Make sure to take your car to a trusted mechanic for this repair.
Uneven Brake Pads
If your brake pads are not wearing evenly, this can also cause your steering wheel to shake.
This is because the uneven wear can cause the brake calipers to clamp down harder on one side of the rotor than the other, which leads to uneven braking and steering wheel vibration.
It is crucial to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair the problem to ensure your safety on the road.
Driving with uneven brake pads can result in uneven braking performance, which can lead to loss of control or an accident.
Loose or Worn Suspension Components
The suspension system in your vehicle helps to absorb shocks and vibrations from the road, but if the components are worn or loose, this can cause your steering wheel to shake.
This is because the suspension system is not able to properly absorb the vibrations caused by the braking process.
Your mechanic will need to inspect your suspension components to determine which parts need to be replaced such as the struts, shocks, or ball joints.
Once these parts have been replaced, your steering should be smooth and stable.
Unbalance Tire
If your vehicle's tires are not balanced properly, this can also cause your steering wheel to shake when you apply the brakes.
This is because the unbalanced tires can cause the wheels to wobble, which in turn causes the steering wheel to vibrate.
Unbalanced tires can also cause a number of issues such as uneven tire wear, and reduced stability on the road.
You should take your car to a mechanic to rectify the problem of unbalanced tires.
Where to balance your tires the mechanic will use a balancing machine to determine where the tire is out of balance.
They would then place small weights on the rim of the wheel to correct the balance.
Low Tire Pressure
Your steering wheel may also shake when you brake if you have issues with low tire pressure.
When the tire pressure is low, it can cause the tire to deform, which can result in an uneven ride and steering wheel shake.
This is because the tire is not properly able to absorb the impact of the road, causing the steering wheel to vibrate.
Make sure to regularly check your tire pressure and inspect your tires for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, take your car to a tire shop for a professional assessment.
Faulty Wheel Bearings
The wheel bearings are the components that allow your wheels to spin smoothly.
If these bearings are worn or damaged, they can cause your steering wheel to shake when you apply the brakes.
This is because the wheels are no longer spinning evenly, which leads to vibrations in the steering system.
Your mechanic will need to inspect your wheel bearings to determine if they need to be replaced.
This is a complicated repair that should only be done by a professional mechanic.
Sticky Brake Calipers
The brake calipers are the components that hold the brake pads and squeeze them against the rotor to slow down the vehicle.
Sometimes these calipers can become stuck or seized, which can cause uneven braking and steering wheel vibration.
In this case, your mechanic will need to inspect your brake calipers to determine if they need to be replaced.
This is an important repair, as faulty brake calipers can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Misaligned Wheels
If your wheels are not properly aligned, this can cause uneven tire wear and affect the handling and braking performance of your vehicle.
This can cause your steering wheel to shake when you brake because the unbalanced wheels can cause your car to vibrate, which in turn affects the steering wheel.
Take your car to a tire shop to get your wheels balanced.
It's a quick and easy process that will make a big difference to the way you drive your car.
Faulty Power Steering System
If you have a faulty power steering system, this can also cause your steering wheel to shake when you brake.
The power steering system helps to make it easier to turn your steering wheel, so if it's not working properly, you may notice the steering wheel shaking.
To determine what is the cause of the problem you will need to take your car to a mechanic to have them inspect your power steering system.
This may include replacing the power steering pump, steering linkage, fluid, or other components.
Faulty Anti-Lock Braking System
If you have a faulty anti-lock braking system (ABS), this can also cause your steering wheel to shake when you brake.
The ABS helps to prevent your wheels from locking up during hard braking, so if it's not working properly, you may notice a shaking or pulsing sensation in the steering wheel.
You should take your car to a mechanic who he will inspect your ABS to determine what is causing the problem.
This may involve replacing the ABS sensor, pump, or other components.
Uneven Road Surfaces
Finally, it's worth noting that sometimes the cause of the steering wheel shaking when braking may not be a mechanical issue with your car at all.
Uneven road surfaces can cause your car to vibrate, which in turn affects the steering wheel.
Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about uneven road surfaces other than to be aware of them and slow down when driving over them.
See Also:
12 Causes Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake at High Speeds
Is It Safe to Drive with a Shaking Steering Wheel When Braking?
A shaking steering wheel while braking can be a sign of several potential issues with your vehicle's braking system.
It is not safe to continue driving in this condition as it may cause a loss of control or a potential accident.
There are many reasons why the steering wheel may shake when braking, and some common causes include warped brake rotors, worn brake pads, or a bad suspension system that I've already mentioned above.
So, It is important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the problem.
Ignoring the shaking steering wheel while braking can lead to further damage to your vehicle's braking system, which can eventually result in brake failure.
Therefore, it is best to get your vehicle checked immediately to ensure your safety on the road.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many potential reasons why your steering wheel may shake when you brake.
However, by understanding the possible causes and solutions, you can work with your mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue.
Remember, safe driving starts with a properly functioning car, so don't hesitate to take care of any issues as soon as they arise.
Thank You