Shaking Steering Wheel? Here’s Why It Happens After Replacing Brakes and Rotors

If you’ve recently had your brake pads and rotors replaced, you may be experiencing a shaking steering wheel when you brake. This can be a disconcerting and even dangerous problem. What’s causing it, and what can you do to fix it?

Replacing brake pads and rotors is a common repair, and it’s generally considered to be a straightforward procedure. However, if the job is done incorrectly, it can lead to a number of problems, including shaking steering wheel.

There are a few potential reasons why your steering wheel might shake after getting new brakes and rotors.

• Damaged or improperly installed brake components: If the brake pads or rotors are not properly installed, it can cause them to rub against each other, which can lead to shaking.
• Worn or damaged suspension components: If the suspension components are worn or damaged, they can cause the wheels to wobble, which can also lead to shaking.
• Improperly torqued lug nuts: If the lug nuts are not properly torqued, it can cause the wheels to come loose, which can also lead to shaking.

To fix the problem, you’ll need to identify the cause of the shaking and then take steps to correct it.

• If the problem is caused by damaged or improperly installed brake components, the brakes will need to be repaired or replaced.
• If the problem is caused by worn or damaged suspension components, the suspension will need to be repaired or replaced.
• If the problem is caused by improperly torqued lug nuts, the lug nuts will need to be tightened to the proper torque.

Car Shakes After New Brakes and Rotors: A Comprehensive Guide for Diagnose and Resolve

Introduction

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Replacing brake pads and rotors is a routine maintenance task for vehicle owners. However, in some cases, motorists may encounter an unexpected problem after the repair: the car shakes when braking. This unnerving experience can be dangerous and should be addressed promptly. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the possible causes of car shaking after new brakes and rotors and provide practical solutions to resolve the issue.

1. Warped Brake Rotors

Warped brake rotors are a common culprit behind car shaking after new brakes and rotors. Warping can occur due to excessive heat buildup, uneven wear, or poor-quality rotors. The resulting pulsations in the brake pedal and steering wheel can be quite noticeable, especially at higher speeds.

Diagnosis:

• Check the brake rotors for visual signs of warping, such as grooves, ridges, or uneven surfaces.
• Perform a brake rotor runout test using a dial indicator to measure the rotor’s thickness variation.

Solution:

• Replace the warped brake rotors with new, high-quality rotors.
• Ensure proper installation of the rotors, following the manufacturer’s specifications.

2. Uneven Brake Pad Wear

Uneven brake pad wear can also cause car shaking after new brakes and rotors. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper installation, worn brake calipers, or seized brake pistons. Uneven pad wear leads to an imbalance in the braking forces, resulting in vibrations and shaking.

Diagnosis:

• Inspect the brake pads for uneven wear. Look for signs of excessive wear on one side of the pad or uneven pad thickness.
• Check the brake calipers and pistons for proper function. Make sure the calipers move freely and the pistons are not seized.

Solution:

• Replace the worn or uneven brake pads with new, high-quality pads.
• Ensure proper installation of the brake pads, following the manufacturer’s specifications.
• If necessary, replace or repair faulty brake calipers or pistons.

3. Loose or Damaged Brake Components

Loose or damaged brake components can also lead to car shaking after new brakes and rotors. This can include loose caliper bolts, worn brake hoses, or damaged brake lines. These issues can cause the brake system to function improperly, resulting in vibrations and shaking.

Diagnosis:

• Thoroughly inspect all brake components for signs of damage or wear. Look for loose bolts, worn hoses, or damaged lines.
• Test the brake system for proper function. Check for leaks, spongy brake pedal feel, or uneven braking.

Solution:

• Tighten loose bolts or replace damaged brake components.
• Replace worn brake hoses or damaged brake lines with new, high-quality parts.
• Ensure proper installation of all brake components, following the manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Worn Suspension Components

In some cases, car shaking after new brakes and rotors may be caused by worn suspension components. Worn ball joints, tie rods, or control arms can affect the vehicle’s alignment and stability, leading to vibrations and shaking when braking.

Diagnosis:

• Inspect the suspension components for signs of wear or damage. Look for loose or worn ball joints, tie rods, or control arms.
• Perform a front-end alignment check to assess the vehicle’s alignment.

Solution:

• Replace worn or damaged suspension components with new, high-quality parts.
• Ensure proper installation of all suspension components, following the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Have the vehicle’s alignment adjusted to manufacturer’s specifications.

Conclusion

Car shaking after new brakes and rotors can be a concerning issue, but it is often caused by a specific underlying problem. By carefully diagnosing the cause of the shaking, whether it be warped brake rotors, uneven brake pad wear, loose or damaged brake components, or worn suspension components, you can effectively resolve the issue and restore your vehicle’s smooth and safe braking performance. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any brake-related problems can help prevent this issue from occurring in the first place.

FAQs:

1. Can I continue driving my car if it shakes after new brakes and rotors?

It is not advisable to continue driving your car if it shakes after new brakes and rotors, as this can be a safety hazard. The shaking can worsen over time and lead to more serious problems. It is best to have the issue diagnosed and resolved by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

2. What is the average cost to fix car shaking after new brakes and rotors?

The cost to fix car shaking after new brakes and rotors can vary depending on the cause of the problem and the extent of the repairs needed. However, in general, the cost can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a mechanic before committing to any repairs.

3. How can I prevent car shaking after new brakes and rotors?

The best way to prevent car shaking after new brakes and rotors is to ensure proper installation and maintenance of the brake system. This includes choosing high-quality brake components, following the manufacturer’s specifications for installation, and regularly inspecting the brake system for signs of wear or damage. Regular maintenance can help identify potential problems early on and prevent more serious issues from developing.

4. Is car shaking after new brakes and rotors a common problem?

While it is not a common problem, car shaking after new brakes and rotors can occur for various reasons. It is important to address the issue promptly to ensure safe and reliable braking performance. By properly diagnosing and resolving the underlying cause, you can restore your vehicle’s smooth and stable braking operation.

5. What are some additional factors that can contribute to car shaking after new brakes and rotors?

In addition to the main causes discussed in this article, other factors that can contribute to car shaking after new brakes and rotors include:

• Uneven tire wear
• Misaligned wheels
• Worn wheel bearings
• Loose lug nuts
• Faulty brake master cylinder
• Brake fluid contamination