why does my vehicle shake when i brake?

Question

i have a 2005 pontiac montana and recently had the tires rotated. now when i brake i feel a shake in the wheel. i had the tire rebalanced, but it still shakes. what could be wrong?

Answer 1

First check the tire pressure is what the door sticker says. Try again if not fixed then either you need mechanical skills and tools or take it to a good brake shop. Need to look at the run out on the rotors and see if there is any warpage. Have a look also at the amount of weight they put on the wheels when they rebalanced them. If it seem like a lot you could have a bent rim. Best bet is when dealing with a safety item take it to a professional and have it checked out.

Answer 2

Rebalancing is a good start, but it sounds like you need an alignment, or even that your rotors are warped. I would put some new rotors and pads on and get the alignment and you should be smooth sailing.

Make sure you ask an auto professional about all of this first of course.

Answer 3

quite possibly your brake shoes or discs are worn out or your rotors which when the brakes are applied your car stops,are worn out as well. the person who rotated your tires should have checked these things as many good mechanics will do.i advise you to take your car to a better mechanic and not a shade tree type and have your rotors and brakes checked for wear.it is quite posible your brakes and rotors need attention brakes have to be replaced so if you need them buy brakes that have a lifetime warranty and the rotors can be turned on a lathe to smooth out the worn areas.it may cost 200 and up depending on what is wrong but go to a reputable garage.someone who will backup their work. good luck

Answer 4

Vehicle shaking during braking is an indication of warped brake rotors. Sometimes the warping can be machined out of them but more often than not, replacement is the remedy.

Answer 5

Your rotors are worn.

Brake pads push up against the rotors. After a break job or 2 w/o replacing the rotors, they become unevenly worn.

So when the brake pads are pushed up against it, you alternate between good contact and no contact. That causes the wheel to shake.

Answer 6

you're cars brake discs are warped basicaly needs new brakes probably at the front any garage can do this but don't get screwed over it should only take an hour and not cost hundreds of your hard earned cash and what monkey did you take the thing to in the first place do not ever go to tyre fitting specialists they ain't trained in nothing a real mechanic would have said that before youd finished your sentance

Answer 7

It sounds like maybe one of the brake rotors is warped. Not uncommon with disc brakes, especially if you drive where there are a lot of hills or you pull a trailer. Any reputable brake shop or mechanic should be able to tell with a quick test drive.

Answer 8

Sounds like the rotors got warped through over torquing the lug bolts when you had the tires rotated. If vehicle is still under warranty take to your dealer for service.

Answer 9

The geniuses @ goodyear or walmart did not tighten the wheel lug nuts with specified torque - likely overtightened them. Poorly made vehicles - no offense - do not forgive ignorance - warped rotors is a result of it. Go back, and request that they paid for rotor replacement - this is their direct fault.

Answer 10

I would imagine it's something with the brakes if it happens when you brake.

Maybe warped rotors or disc. Take it to mieneke and get a free brake inspection.