Why does my car shake when I brake?
A shake or pulsing through the steering wheel or brake pedal when stopping usually comes from the brakes or front end.
Most likely causes
- Warped or uneven brake rotors. The most common cause. You feel a pulse in the pedal.
- Worn suspension parts. Loose tie rods or control arm bushings can let the wheel wobble under braking.
- Sticking brake caliper. Often comes with pulling to one side and a hot wheel.
- Tire or wheel problem. Out-of-balance tires or loose lug nuts.
Simple things to check
- Notice whether the shake is in the pedal (rotors) or the steering wheel (front end)
- Check if the car pulls to one side
- Make sure lug nuts are tight
When to stop driving
If braking feels weak, the pedal sinks, or there's grinding metal, stop driving and get it checked.
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