Steering Wheel Shakes when I brake
Why it happens
Brake pulsation happens when there is a thickness variation in the brake rotor.
If the problem is on the front you will feel (see) the steering wheel shake when you apply the brakes. If the problem is with rear brakes then you will feel the shake in the seat / body of the vehicle. On some vehicles, due to the configuration of the hydraulic system, a damaged rotor can cause pulsation on either of both the steering wheel and the body.
What causes the problem:
The brake rotor has been overheated. As it cools it deforms
- Towing heavy loads especially with unbalanced trailer brakes
- Excessive loads on / in your vehicle
- Driving habits. Frequent aggressive start / stop driving
- Insufficient brake service
- Brake calipers & hardware can become contaminated, rusted & seized resulting in uneven brake application. This will increase the heat stress on the rotors.
- Wheel nut tightening (torque). Uneven or over tightening wheel nuts can result in rotor warp that over time will result in thickness variation and brake pulsation.
- “Economy” grade rotors can sometimes result in brake pulsation. The less costly rotors inherently contain less metal making it difficult for them to dissipate heat
How to repair:
- In most cases the rotor will need to be replaced. It is good practice to replace the pads at the same time. If the rotor has been over heated, it is likely that the pads have suffered as well. If there is substantial pad remaining, you may be offered the option of re-using the pads but there is a possibility that you will experience brake squeak or other noise
- Some rotors can be machined. The best process for this is to use an “On Car Brake Lathe”
- This may be a viable repair on Medium Duty Trucks where rotors are larger and more expensive.
- On most passenger vehicles, the cost of machining the rotor is often nearly as much as a replacement rotor. (I would rather spend money on parts then on labor)
- Machining the rotor removes some metal from the surface causing it to be more susceptible to warping in the future
This is one of those problems that can only get worse & usually more expensive with time. Additional stress on steering and suspension components and eventually a vehicle that is not safe to drive.
Have the unit looked at by a competent technician who can detail what repairs are needed.
Mobil1 is currently doing a brake inspection at no charge ($99.95 Value)
