Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Brakes, steering and handling
Car vibrates when braking
A vibration that only occurs while braking often points to the brakes themselves, for example brake discs that are no longer smooth and even. The suspension or wheels can also play a part, so it is worth checking the whole chain.
Recognisable signs
What you may notice.
- The steering wheel vibrates or shakes when you brake, especially from higher speeds
- You feel pulsing in the brake pedal
- The vibration goes away as soon as you stop braking
- Sometimes there is also a noise or a slight pull to one side
- It happens on many stops, not just once
Possible causes
What may be behind it.
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. A technician identifies which cause fits your car after checking it.
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Brake discs of uneven thickness or with a warped surface
Wear or heat can make a brake disc uneven. That feels like pulsing when you brake.
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Worn or contaminated brake pads
Uneven material on the disc or mismatched pads can cause vibrations.
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A sticking brake caliper
If a sticking caliper makes a disc too hot, the disc can warp.
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Suspension or wheel bearing
Play in the suspension or a worn wheel bearing is most noticeable when the load changes, such as while braking.
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Wheels and tyres
Unbalanced wheels or a damaged tyre can cause vibrations, but these can usually be felt when you are not braking too.
Keep driving?
Can I keep driving with this?
With light, steady vibrations you can sometimes keep driving carefully until your appointment, leaving extra distance to the vehicle in front. If the vibrations are strong, there is grinding or the car feels unpredictable when braking, do not drive on and arrange help.
Check soonHave this checked soon
At WeFix
What WeFix can check.
This is what our technicians can look at to find the cause.
- Measuring the brake discs for thickness and run-out
- Checking the brake pads and calipers
- Inspecting the wheel bearings and suspension for play
- Assessing the wheels and tyres and balancing them if needed
If we find something, you hear it first. We only repair after your approval.
Services
Related services.
This is where WeFix Auto’s can help with this symptom.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Also read
Related problems.
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Book an appointment
Squeaking brakes: what could be the cause?
Squeaking brakes are a common signal. Sometimes the cause is harmless, such as moisture or dirt. Sometimes the noise points to worn brake pads. A grinding or metallic sound is a clearer warning than a light squeak. Read the explanation -
Stop safely
Brake pedal feels soft or sinks
A brake pedal that feels soft, goes down a long way or slowly sinks under steady pressure points to a problem in the braking system. It can lie in the hydraulic system or in the assistance for the pedal. Because brakes are safety-critical, this is not a signal to ignore. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Steering wheel vibrates while driving
A steering wheel that vibrates often comes from the wheels and tyres, for example because the wheels are unbalanced. The suspension or brakes can also play a part. Notice when it happens: all the time, at certain speeds, or only when braking. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car pulls to the left or right
A car that drifts to one side without you steering it rarely has just one possible cause. Tyre pressure, wear, brakes and suspension can all play a part. It helps to know whether it happens when driving straight, when braking or when accelerating. Read the explanation
Have your car checked.
Request a no-obligation quote or call a branch. You hear what we find first.
Please note: This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.