QA

Question: My Steering Wheel Shakes When I Brake

If your steering wheel shakes a lot while you’re braking, that could mean that your rotors are out of round. In other words, the rotors have started to wear out, lose their shape, and become warped. Even if you just got new brakes installed, vibrations while braking is a sign of a serious problem.

Why does my steering wheel shake when I brake at high speeds?

Unevenly-worn or warped brake discs (rotors) can cause the steering wheel to shake when brakes are applied. In most cases this issue is caused by warped or unevenly-worn front brake rotors (discs), although there could be other reasons. Warped or rusted rear drums can also cause brake pedal pulsation.

Why does my steering wheel shake when I slow down?

Have you noticed your steering wheel shaking when you slow or stop your vehicle? This could be a sign of warped brake rotors. Your brake rotors are the smooth, flat surface that your brake pads press against to slow or stop your movement.

How do I stop my car shaking when I brake?

An auto mechanic may be able to adjust, shim or resurface the rotors to compensate for the unevenness, but replacing them is a surer bet, and a relatively easy DIY job for those comfortable under the hood, too. And, some mechanics recommend that you always replace rotors and brake pads at the same time.

What does it mean when my car shakes when I brake?

Over time, brake pads accumulate oil, dirt, or other materials. When this happens, the substances can cause vibrations, particularly when you press the brake pads. Also, over time the rotors get thinner, making them susceptible to damage. During braking, excessive heat is generated and can cause the rotors to warp.

How much does it cost to fix a warped rotor?

Like the brake pads, the brake discs can eventually wear out as well. If you want to replace your brake discs then it will cost you between $200 and $400 for the parts and about $150 for the labor. This means you are looking at around $400 to $500 total for a brake rotor replacement job.

How much does it cost to get new rotors?

How much should it be to replace the brake pads and rotors? Expect a brake job of replacing brake pads and rotors to cost $250-$400 per axle on average. If you drive a heavy-duty pickup truck and haul or tow a lot, your costs may go up quite a built.

Is it safe to drive with a shaking steering wheel?

You can still drive your car with a shaking steering wheel, but it does indicate that you should speak with an expert technician as soon as possible. The majority of shaky steering wheels are due to the five following issues: Unbalanced Wheels — Weight should be evenly distributed between all four tires.

How much does it cost to fix a shaking steering wheel?

If your steering wheel only shakes when you turn, bearings are the likely culprit. Usually, this problem can be fixed with a simple cleaning, but if they’re damaged, replacement can cost up to $430 dollars including labor costs.

How do you tell if your rotors are warped?

Signs Your Rotors Are Damaged 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.

How much does it cost to balance rotors?

Your rotors can be turned (rotated), machines and still be within factory guidelines, but this usually leaves them thin whereby leaving them to warp or vibrate. The cost for turning a rotor runs anywhere from $15 to $25 per rotor.

Is it OK to drive with warped rotors?

driving with warped rotors is not considered safe, and the brake rotors can eventually crack or break, leaving the vehicle at an extreme loss of braking power. when brake rotors become warped, the amount of force moving the steering wheel back and forth may be violent, and enough to lose control of the steering wheel.

Can you drive with messed up rotors?

If you suspect you have warped rotors or your brakes are failing, it is important that you avoid driving your vehicle and contact a mechanic right away. Driving with warped rotors potentially will result in a brake system failure, which can cause injury to yourself and those around you.

How do I know if my brake rotors are bad?

It could represent four signs that it’s time to replace your brake rotors. Vibrating Steering Wheel. If you feel pulsing in the brake pedal and vibration in the steering wheel when you slow down, your rotors could be signaling trouble. Intermittent Screeching. Blue Coloration. Excessive Wear Over Time.

Do you have to replace all 4 rotors at once?

You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.

How often do you replace brake rotors?

Ideally, you should have your brake pads replaced between every 10,000 and 20,000 miles, and your rotors replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles.

Are brake rotors easy to replace?

Modern brake systems are complex, and while replacing your brake pads and rotors is a fairly straightforward process, it could go wrong if you aren’t sure what you’re doing.