I have a 96 Pontiac Grand Am, and when I brake at about 40 mph or above, the car shakes, and I can feel a vibration in the brake pedal. I don't know much about cars. Is this a serious problem and should I get it looked at right away?
2007-03-20 05:36:11 · 8 answers · asked by jdschreurs 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I wouldn't say it's a serious problem that needs to be looked at right away, no, but most brake shops will take a look-see for free.
It's most likely either your front wheels are out of balance (if the steering wheel also shakes) or you have warped brake rotors/drums. If it doesn't FEEL dangerous or uncontrollable, you should be fine to wait until next time your car needs brake pads (squeals or groans).
2007-03-20 05:41:09 · answer #1 · answered by Ferret 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your car only shakes when braking (not when cruising or accelerating), then you have warped brake rotors. This can be dangerous, as your braking power is severely diminished - every time the wheel turns, the brakes are being squeezed harder (risk of locking up), then pressure is released (gentle braking.) Sometimes, they just need to be machined, but if you are feeling it that strongly, they will undoubtedly need to be replaced.
You should replace your rotors with every second set ot pads, and machine them with the in-between pad changes - although changing them with every pad change makes more sense, as the rotors get thinner after machining, and are more prone to warping, anyway.
2007-03-20 06:24:07 · answer #2 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have warped brake rotors. It's not critical but it will eventually impair your braking ability as it will most likely get worse over time. The best thing to do is to replace the rotors, however sometimes you can get away with simply having them machined or "turned" back to being flat again. turning is much cheaper but is usually only a temporary fix.
2007-03-20 05:43:24 · answer #3 · answered by Louis G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have warped rotors on it,i own a shop,and this means its in need of front brakes probably ,id have them checked,all that causing the pedal shake though is the rotors being warped on it,good luck i hope this helps.
2007-03-20 05:41:54 · answer #4 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have the front rotors checked sounds like they are warped.
2007-03-20 05:57:32 · answer #5 · answered by b44z 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes its serious.your rotors are warped.if they are thick enough,you can get them turned,but the best thing to do is get new rotors.
2007-03-20 06:15:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have it looked at soon. The longer you delay the more costly the repair.
2007-03-20 05:42:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
MOST LIKLEY YOUR BRAKE ROTORS ARE BAD . YES YOU SHOULD GET IT LOOKED AT SOON
2007-03-20 05:44:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋