My steering wheel shakes when I hit the brakes
This is usually brake rotors that wore unevenly, so the pads grab and release as the wheel turns. You feel it in the wheel, the pedal, or both. Worn suspension parts or a loose wheel bearing can make it worse.
Urgency
This week is fine
What to do right now
What to do right now
- 1Notice if the shake is worse when braking from highway speed, like coming off I-95, or the same at all speeds.
- 2Leave more space ahead of you. A shaking brake can take longer to stop.
- 3If you hear grinding or the pedal goes soft, stop driving and have it towed.
What it usually is
What it usually is
Brake repair
New pads and rotors, or resurfaced rotors when there is enough metal left, stop the shake. We measure first.
See the serviceSuspension repair
Worn control arm bushings or tie rod ends let the wheel wobble under braking and make the shake feel much worse.
See the serviceWheel bearings
A loose bearing lets the rotor wobble. You may also hear a hum that changes when you turn.
See the serviceQuestions people ask
Why do my rotors go bad so fast?
Hard stops from highway speed, then sitting on the brake in the heat, cook the rotors. Miami stop and go traffic does this a lot. Cheap rotors and lug nuts tightened unevenly also cause it.
Can I just replace the pads?
Not if the rotors are the problem. New pads on bad rotors still shake and wear out faster. We check rotor thickness and tell you what is actually needed.
Is this the same as shaking at highway speed?
No. If it shakes at speed without braking, that is usually tire balance or a bent wheel. If it only shakes when you brake, it is usually the rotors.
Is it dangerous?
It is not an emergency on day one, but it gets worse and your stops get longer. Get it done this week.