Why Is My Car Shaking After Brake Change? Here’s Why And How To Fix

Like all other components of the car, brakes get damaged over time and require replacement. But unlike other parts, you may face a shaking sensation after changing the brake. 

So why is your car shaking after brake change? If you have gotten your brake changed, it’s not enough. There are other components that you have to take care of to stop shaking your car. For example, the brake rotors, suspension, and malfunctioning calipers. Most importantly, it’s best to get a new pair of brake pads to stop shaking the car. 

Likewise, knowing them just by name isn’t enough. To know exactly which part to work on, you have to know them a bit deeper. And that’s why we are here, let’s get started.

Car Shaking After Brake Change

Whether it be for your car or your own safety, you never want a braking system that shakes. Well, there are four specific components that you need to check to stop this shaking issue.

Reason	Solution
Brake Rotors	Replacement or Resurfacing
Brake Calipers	Lubricate the calipers
Brake Pads	Replacement
Faulty Suspension	Tighten the bolts and replace shock absorbers and struts

Here’s how the components are responsible for this shaking problem in detail.

1. Brake Rotors

Friction absorption is the rotor’s main job. Your rotors may absorb less heat at a time as they become more worn down, which causes longer stopping distances. Likewise, a faulty one will absorb the least heat and cause all the elements connected to it to malfunction. As a result, your car starts shaking.

Solution

With brake rotors, you have two options. Either you have to replace it with a new one from the shop or resurface it. You would need a brake lathe to resurface and certainly, you can’t do it in your home.

Here’s what resurfacing a brake rotor looks like;

2. Brake Calipers

The brake shoes and pistons of your car are kept inside the brake caliper. Its duty is to make friction with the braking rotors in order to slow the wheels of the vehicle. When you use the brakes, the brake caliper fits like a clamp on the rotor of the wheel to prevent the wheel from rotating.

So, with a faulty one, almost no pressure is transferred. And, due to the lack of fluid, it results in vibration.

Solution

Fixing a brake caliper got to be one of the easiest ones. There are brake fluids available that will lubricate your sticky calipers. Thus, it has to be silicon-based. This will help smooth out the seals and give you a smooth experience.

3. Brake Pads

Brake pads have the tendency to wear out sooner than the other components. So it can be considered one of the most occurring symptoms of a vibrating vehicle when the brake is applied.

Solution

Here, you don’t have to give a second thought but to get a new pair of brake pads. They are the most common and the fastest ones to be worn out. Therefore, replacing them isn’t a difficult job either. Here’s a video of how you can do it;

4. Faulty Suspension 

When you apply brakes, your car’s suspension system may shake if it is out of line. Tie rods, wheel bearings, and ball joints are examples of suspension parts that degrade with time. 

When they do, they alter the braking sensation, particularly when you apply the brakes while the car is turning. In this situation, even at modest speeds, you could feel some shaking and vibration.

Solution

You have two things in hand to check for a suspension. 

1. First, the shock absorbers and struts. 
2. Secondly, tighten the bolts that are loose. Try tightening the bolts in the suspension first. 

If it doesn’t work, you have to replace the shock absorbers and struts. 

How To Avoid This Problem

You have suffered enough. By now, you should know everything that you need to fix this shaking problem. This problem occurs when there’s a lack of heat transfer. 

Therefore, when you use the brake too much with greater force, heat transfer is not efficient. All we can say is 

1. Don’t drive superfast
2. Apply brakes slowly from a greater distance

Why Does My Steering Shakes When I Apply Brake?

The reason why your vehicle might vibrate is the same as for steering. However, the most frequent problem for this specific problem is the brake rotors. Uneven brake rotors often make them vibrate.

Due to uneven surfaces, the brake pad just doesn’t hit the perfect spot and you end up with a cranky brake.

When Should I Go To A Professional For A Shaking Car?

Going to a professional can be quite expensive. Yet, your life is more expensive. A shaking car means there’s something wrong with the braking system. Thus, there are consequences if not handled with care.

When you have very basic knowledge of car fixing and can’t figure out a way to fix this problem, contact a professional as soon as you can. Overlooking this will only lead to uncalled accidents.

If you’re experiencing shaking issues with your car, you might find our articles on car shaking after changing spark plugs and car shakes when put in reverse helpful. Our article on car shaking after changing spark plugs discusses some of the common causes of this issue, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel system problems. Meanwhile, our article on car shakes when put in reverse explores how transmission issues, engine mounts, or drivetrain problems can cause shaking while reversing. Be sure to check out our resources on car shaking after changing spark plugs and car shakes when put in reverse for more information.

FAQ

It’s time for the FAQ section now where you get to learn the most in the least possible words. Let’s check them out;

Outro

We hope that answers everything you need to know about why your car shaking after brake change. There are endless possibilities of why your car may be vibrating. But one thing for sure is that there’s a fault in the brakes.

Accordingly, we have talked about the most occurring ones which are; brake rotors, calipers, pads, and lastly a faulty suspension. As long as they are working smoothly, you shouldn’t be having these problems.