You are listening to your favorite radio station while driving down the highway with the AC blasting in your face. All of a sudden, you realize that traffic has completely slowed down. When you press the brake pedal, you may experience vibrations from the brake pedal or, worse, the steering wheel. You grip the steering wheel tightly as you come to a stop. You've just felt brake judder, also referred to as brake shudder.
When the brakes are applied quickly, a vibration is felt through the steering wheel, brake pedal, and suspension. This is known as brake shudder. The vibrations can be gentle or strong. A multitude of things, such as warped rotors, broken calipers, or new brake pads that have not been properly broken in after replacement, might result in brake shudder.
You can tell if the front or rear brakes are responsible for the shudder by where it first manifests. Front rotor problems are frequently the cause of vibrations in the steering wheel, whereas rear rotor problems result in vibrations felt in the brake pedal.
Asymmetrical Brake Rotors
Due to the heat produced by the friction created when braking, brake rotors become deformed over time. The rotors' exteriors frequently deteriorate inequitably as they age. For smooth braking, brake pads are designed to make entire contact with the rotors. When brakes are applied at high speeds and the rotors are unevenly worn or warped, only some parts of the brake pads make contact with the rotors, causing vibration. The best solution for this is to perform a brake pad and rotor replacement. Though you may be able to "turn" the rotors, this process removes more of the metal surface of the rotor cuasing it to become thinner and thus more likely to warp again or make noise with the original brake pads.
Brake Pad Condition is Poor
When brake pads are worn, harmed, or warped, they might vibrate and make a squeaking sound, which is a sign that they need to be replaced. Similar to this, when brake pads try to grab the rotor while being contaminated with dirt, oil, or other poisons, vibrations might result.
Brake shuddering is a warning indicator that your suspension or braking system requires repair. Don't disregard the cautionary indicators, and have your car checked out straight away. Brake judder makes driving more challenging and, if it gets worse, could be dangerous for you or other people. Furthermore, if brake repairs are not performed in a timely manner, it can cause further damage to other parts of your braking system, like the calipers. Finally, when performing a brake service, often times it is best to replace the brake fluid at the same time. If you need brake repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to Pickering's Auto Service in Lakewood, CO - Arvada, CO - Westminster, CO today!