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Why are my disc brakes shuddering

4 min read

Asked by: Erica Atencio

This refers to the uneven wear of brake discs and is the result of rotor run out. If your brake discs are unevenly worn the brake pads come in contact with the flat spots present in the rotor’s surface which causes the vibration that we call brake shudder.

How do I stop my brakes from shuddering?

A new set of brake pads may be the easiest way to address your vehicle’s brake shudder. However, in some cases replacing your brake rotors or having them resurfaced will fix the brake shudder. If you’re replacing brake rotors, it is recommended you also consider replacing the brake pads as well.

What is the most common cause of brake judder?

The brake disc developing disc thickness variation (DTV) over time, is the most common cause of judder. Disc thickness variation is when the disc has worn unevenly, causing the two friction surfaces of the disc to no longer be parallel with each other. This is often confused with disc warping.

Why does my brake pedal shudder when I brake?

If your brake pads are contaminated with dirt, oil, or another substance, pedal vibration will occur during the clamping of the pads onto the rotor. Additionally, damaged or excessively worn brake pads can also be one of the causes of a vibrating pedal.

What causes brake shudder at high speed?

One possible cause of shaking when you apply the brakes, especially at high speeds on the highway or when going downhill, is your tires. This is the first thing you should investigate if you experience shaking while braking. Your wheels may be out of alignment, or you may have a bad tire that is unbalanced.

Can you drive with brake shudder?

Is brake shudder dangerous? If your shuddering brakes are being caused by damaged or worn brake pads or discs, continuing to drive your car is very dangerous. If you continue to drive with worn-out pads, your braking performance will deteriorate further. Worn out brake pads should be replaced immediately.

Is brake judder an MOT failure?

Did the steering wheel judder when you hit the brakes? This could be a sign of warped brake discs which are an MOT failure. Does the pedal travel excessively to the floor? This could be an early warning of a hydraulic fault which is also an MOT failure.

Why is my braking not smooth?

The choppy sensation you are feeling when applying the brakes is most likely unevenly worn brake pads and/or rotors. When brakes are applied heavily or held for extended periods of time, this can generate an enormous amount of heat.

What are the signs of a warped rotor?

If you notice your steering wheel or brake pedal wobble when you apply the brakes to slow down or stop, chances are your rotors are warped. If the warp isn’t too bad, you might not really notice the shaking. If the warp is serious, you’ll definitely feel the vibration.

Why does my car shake when I brake at 60 mph?

TRP Clicking or Shuddering Fix for Spyre, HY/RD, Hylex and …

Can ABS cause brake judder?

If you have a problem with ABS, you may notice that your brakes vibrate or shake when you stop. This is caused by the ABS modulating the brake pedal. it’s a safe and normal function.

Why does my front end shimmy when I hit the brakes?

The biggest reason for this shaking problem is the condition of your rotors – the disc your brake pad clamps down on when you apply your brakes. Most commonly, the vibration happens because the rotors have some kind of imperfection on their surface or they have changed shape (warped) over time.

Why is my car juddering when driving?

Along with faulty spark plugs, a build-up of dirt and grime is the likely cause of cars stuttering when idle. A clogged filter or fuel injection system can starve your engine of fuel or oxygen, causing your car to judder and shake.

Can Tyres cause brake judder?

Uneven tyre wear, radial separation and damage to the tyre are causes of symptoms that can sometimes be mistaken for brake related issues. Check the condition of the wheel bearings. A worn bearing can also cause excessive lateral runout, which may cause the brakes to pulsate or pull.

How do I know if my disc is warped?

If you notice your steering wheel or brake pedal wobble when you apply the brakes to slow down or stop, chances are your rotors are warped. If the warp isn’t too bad, you might not really notice the shaking. If the warp is serious, you’ll definitely feel the vibration.

Can a bad wheel bearing cause brake judder?

Other factors causing brake judder



The wheel bearings for example could be badly worn and have excessive play, resulting in erratic disc wobble. Another potential cause, especially with thin-hat discs, is poor wheel installation. Excessive torque on the wheel fasteners could lead to a warped disc hat.