Do you ever notice your truck shaking when you brake? It is a common problem experienced by many truck drivers. When you brake, your truck’s wheels lock up and skid on the pavement. This can cause your truck to shake. A few things can cause your truck to shake when you brake.
1. Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads are one of your vehicle’s most critical safety features, so it’s no surprise that worn brake pads can cause your truck to shake when you brake. Worn brake pads can cause the rotors to vibrate, which will, in turn, cause your truck to shake. If you think the brake pads may be worn, have them inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
2. Poor Brake Alignment
Brake alignment is another potential cause of your truck shaking when you brake. This usually happens when your brakes are not lined up properly with the wheels. If this is the issue, you will need to align your brakes as soon as possible.
3. Worn Rotors
Rotors are used for brakes to create friction against the brake pads to stop the vehicle. Over time, rotors can become worn down and cause a truck to shake when braking. Rotor replacement is typically recommended every 30,000 miles or so.
Experts use a micrometer to measure the thickness of a rotor. If it’s too thin, it needs to be replaced.
Another way to tell if your rotors are worn is by looking at them. If you see any grooves or cracks, that’s a sign they need to be replaced.
4. Faulty Calipers
Calipers are what squeeze the brake pads against the rotor to create friction and stop your vehicle. If they become bent or otherwise damaged, they can cause a vibration when you brake. This is usually more pronounced at higher speeds.
Another possibility is that the caliper slides are sticking. These allow the caliper to move back and forth so it can do its job. If they become gummed with grease or dirt, it can cause the caliper to stick in one position and vibrate when you brake.
5. Incorrect Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is significant for a smooth ride. If your tires are inflated too much, they will be hard and won’t grip the road either. This can cause your truck to shake when you brake. On the other hand, if your tires are underinflated, they will flex too much and cause your truck to shake.
6. Dirty Or Wet Brakes
When your brakes get wet, they can start to squeak. But if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, that’s not always the case. If your brakes are making noise and your truck is shaking when you brake, it could be because your brakes are dirty.
You’ll need to remove the wheels and clean the brake pads, calipers, and rotors with brake cleaner to clean your brakes. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, take your truck to a mechanic.
7. Defective ABS
ABS is the anti-lock braking system. It helps you to brake smoothly on the road. If this system is defective, your truck will shake when you brake. This is because the brakes will lock up and cause shaking. You should take your truck to a mechanic to fix this as soon as possible.
Get regular contact Road Rescue. Our team is experienced in all truck and trailer repair areas, including brake issues.
