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Toyota of Anaheim can help you identify why your Toyota is shaking when you brake.
As a driver, one of the worst feelings is when you feel your vehicle shudder when driving. Is it a nail in my tire, did a pothole break my suspension, or did I break the driveshaft? There are many things that may be the culprit as to why the vehicle is shuddering, and the potential problems can vary greatly. The most probable cause of the shuddering most often happens in the vicinity of your tires and rims. The tires and wheels connect the vehicle to the road, and if anything is a bit wonky, you’re going to feel it. On a more serious note, it could be something like a broken transmission mount or a broken control arm. These more serious failures could leave you with a broken vehicle on the side of the road.
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If you got different tires recently, then your car shuddering could be from the tires that weren’t balanced correctly. Balancing the tires makes sure the weight is evenly distributed for the smoothest ride possible. If you notice the tire vibration while you are driving, it could very well be an unbalanced tire. If the new tires and wheels are properly balanced, but your car is still shaking, ensure the tire pressure is correct, and make sure the lugnuts are completely tightened and make sure the tire pressure is correct. If your tires are the root of the vibration, you should have them looked at immediately.
If your vehicle vibrates when you brake, that’s a pretty good indicator that you should have the brakes looked at. The most likely reason for your steering wheel shake is warped brake rotors. When a driver pushes down on the brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze the brake rotors to stop your vehicle. A smooth rotor surface offers smooth braking. A warped rotor surface will shudder when braking, kind of like how a brick road feels rougher than a highway. Other potential causes of the vibrating include frozen calipers and damaged suspension components. If you feel your steering wheel start to wobble, bring it in to get checked out.
If your car is shaking before you ever start driving, then there’s a good chance that you have some broken car parts. The most common causes of a vehicle shaking at idle are:
Broken Driveshaft – If damaged or not perfectly balanced, it may be the source of the shudders
CV joints That Have Failed – Working in conjunction with the driveshaft, cv joints get the engine power to the wheels and tires and, if damaged, can be the source of the car shaking in idle.
Engine Mounts That Are Broken – As the name implies, these components help mount the engine to the vehicle. If they are damaged or broken, it can allow the engine to engine vibrate.
If you’ve realized there is a new vibration in your vehicle, then bring it to us for an inspection. Our knowledgeable technicians will diagnose the source of the vibration and provide you with options to get you back on the road.
Toyota of Anaheim is an ideal place to get Toyota service in the Orange County area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your car or truck to determine if there are any needed repairs and will suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your RAV4 service online or in person today.
