Bob Howard Acura can help you learn why your car shakes when braking.
One of the most uneasy feelings is when you notice your vehicle vibrating while driving. Is it a nail in the tire, did a giant pothole break my suspension, or do I have a busted driveshaft? There are several parts that might be the reason your car is shaking, and the potential damage can vary greatly. The most likely cause of the shaking generally happens in the vicinity of your rims and tires. They connect your car to the road, and if anything is broken, they will notice. It could be a broken transmission mount or a broken control arm. These more severe part failures might leave you stuck on the side of the road.
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If you got new tires recently, the car shaking could be from the tires that were not balanced correctly. Balancing the tires makes sure the weight is evenly distributed for the most peaceful ride possible. So, if you notice the tire shaking when you are driving, it may be a tire that is no longer balanced. If you can confirm that the tires and wheels are balanced, but the car is still shuddering, make sure the tires are inflated to the proper air pressure, and check to make sure the lugnuts are fully tightened and make sure the tire pressure is correct. If your tires are the cause of the shake, you should have them looked at immediately.
If your car shakes when you brake, that’s a pretty strong signal that you should have the brakes looked at. The most obvious cause of your steering wheel shudder is worn brake rotors. When a driver pushes down on the brake pedal, pieces of metal called brake pads squeeze the brake rotors to create friction which will then bring your vehicle to a stop. If you want smooth braking, you need a smooth surface. A warped surface will cause shudders when braking, kind of like how a brick road feels bumpier than a highway. Other possible causes of the vibrating include stuck brake calipers and damaged shocks. If you feel your steering wheel begin to wobble, bring it to us, and we’ll check it out.
If your vehicle is vibrating before you even start driving, then you probably have broken car parts. The most common reasons for a vehicle shaking in idle are:
The Driveshaft has Broken – If not perfectly balanced or damaged, it might cause vibrations
Worn CV joints – Working together with the driveshaft, cv joints get the power from the engine to the wheels and, if broken, can be the source of your vehicle shaking in idle.
Engine Mounts That Are Broken – As the name suggests, these components help mount the engine to the car. If they are damaged or broken, it can let the engine vibrate under the hood.
If you’ve realized there is a new shudder in your vehicle, then bring it to us for an inspection. Our knowledgeable techs will diagnose the cause of the shudder and get you back on the road quickly.
Bob Howard Acura is one of the most trusted places to get vehicle service in the En area. We proudly service all makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs. One of our factory-trained experts will inspect your vehicle to determine if there are any necessary repairs and will suggest the best solution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your MDX service online or in person today.
