When you change your car’s brakes, it’s common to experience some level of discomfort in the driving experience.
One of the most concerning issues that drivers face after a brake change is a car that shakes or vibrates when braking.
This issue can be unsettling and potentially dangerous if left unresolved. But why does your car shake after a brake change, and how can you fix it?
I outline the common causes of car shaking after brake change and effective solutions to address the issue.
Here’s why your car shakes after brake change:
1. Warped Brake Rotors
One of the most common reasons your car shakes after a brake change is warped or unevenly worn brake rotors.
When you change your brakes, the rotors should be checked for signs of wear and tear. If the rotors are warped or damaged, they will not make consistent contact with the brake pads, causing vibrations when you press the brake pedal.
So how do warped rotors cause shaking? When a rotor becomes warped, its surface is no longer perfectly smooth. Instead of providing a smooth surface for the brake pads to grip, it creates an uneven surface.
This inconsistency causes the brake pads to make intermittent contact with the rotor, leading to vibrations and a shaky feel when braking.
Solution:
To fix this, you may need to have the rotors resurfaced or replaced. Resurfacing involves shaving off a thin layer of the rotor to make it smooth again.
If the rotors are too damaged, however, replacing them is the best solution. Always ensure that rotors are properly installed and meet the manufacturer’s specifications to prevent future issues.
To prevent this from happening again, regularly inspect the brake rotors for signs of damage or wear. Also, avoid aggressive braking to extend the life of the rotors.
Related: Car brake pedal squeaks when released
2. Improperly Installed Brake Pads
If your car shakes after a brake change, it might be due to improperly installed brake pads. Brake pads that aren’t installed correctly can cause uneven braking and shaking.
This issue can occur if the pads are not properly aligned or the calipers are not positioned correctly.
Brake pads are designed to evenly contact the rotor surface for smooth braking. If the pads are misaligned, they will create uneven contact with the rotor, leading to vibrations.
Also, the wrong type of brake pads for your vehicle can result in poor performance and shaking.
Solution:
If you suspect the issue is with the brake pads, it’s important to have them inspected by a professional mechanic. They may need to be repositioned, aligned, or replaced to ensure they work properly.
To prevent this from happening, always use high-quality brake pads that are designed for your specific make and model. Ensure that the installation is done by a certified technician to avoid mistakes.
3. Brake Caliper Issues
Another potential reason your car shakes after a brake change is a problem with the brake calipers. The brake calipers are responsible for pressing the brake pads against the rotors.
If the calipers are sticking or not functioning properly, they can cause uneven braking and lead to shaking.
When the brake calipers are not functioning properly, they may fail to release the brake pads from the rotor when you are not applying the brakes.
This can cause the brake pads to drag against the rotor, creating excessive heat, uneven wear, and vibrations. In some cases, a stuck caliper may even cause the vehicle to pull to one side when braking.
Solution:
If you notice that your car shakes after a brake change and suspect a caliper issue, the calipers should be inspected and serviced. If they are damaged or malfunctioning, they may need to be replaced.
Have your brake system, including calipers, inspected regularly to ensure proper functioning and prevent issues like this.
Related: Car Pulling After Brake Job (Explained)
4. Uneven Brake Pad Bedding In
Bedding in new brake pads is a crucial step after a brake change. Bedding in refers to the process of gradually breaking in the new pads by driving and applying moderate braking.
If the bedding-in process is not done properly, the pads can wear unevenly, causing vibrations or shaking when you apply the brakes.
New brake pads need to form an even layer of friction material on the rotors to create smooth braking performance. If you don’t bed in the pads correctly (such as by performing too many hard stops early on), the pads might not seat evenly, leading to a shaking or pulsing sensation when braking.
Solution:
Follow the proper bedding-in procedure provided by the brake pad manufacturer. Typically, this involves performing a series of gradual stops from moderate speeds to allow the pads to wear in evenly.
Preventive strategy: Take the time to properly bed in your new brake pads, especially if they are high-performance pads that require specific break-in procedures.
Related: Car brake pedal vibrates when braking at high speeds (Explained)
5. Damaged Wheel Bearings
Shaking after a brake change can also be caused by damaged or worn wheel bearings. The wheel bearings allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and are essential to the overall stability of the car.
If these bearings are damaged, they can cause vibrations during braking, even after a brake change.
Worn or damaged wheel bearings cause the wheels to wobble or move inconsistently, which results in vibrations that you feel through the steering wheel.
This is often more noticeable when braking, as the braking forces amplify the existing wheel bearing issues.
Solution:
If you suspect the wheel bearings are damaged, they should be inspected and replaced by a professional mechanic.
It is essential to fix this issue promptly to avoid further damage to your vehicle’s suspension or wheel system.
Regularly check and lubricate the wheel bearings to ensure they are in good condition. If you notice any strange noises or vibrations, have them inspected immediately.
6. Tire Alignment and Balancing Issues
After a brake change, the tires may also be a factor in the shaking you experience. Incorrect tire alignment or poor tire balancing can lead to uneven tire wear, causing vibrations, especially when braking.
When the tires are not properly aligned, the car will pull to one side during braking.
Poorly balanced tires can create an uneven contact patch, leading to vibrations that are particularly noticeable during braking. These issues are often confused with brake-related problems.
Solution:
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly aligned and balanced. If you notice uneven tire wear or persistent shaking, visit a professional for a full tire checkup.
Get your tire alignment and balance checked regularly, especially after any significant suspension or brake system repairs.