Mercedes-Benz of Clear Lake can help you identify why your car is shaking when you brake.
One of the most uneasy feelings is when you notice your vehicle shaking while driving. Is it a tire puncture, did that giant pothole damage my car suspension, or did I break the driveshaft? There are many things that may be the cause of the vehicle vibrating, and the amount of the potential problems can vary greatly. The most probable cause of the shuddering generally occurs near your rims and tires. They plant your car to the road, and if anything is a bit wonky, will notice. More seriously, it may be a broken caliper or a broken transmission. These more severe part failures may leave you stranded on the side of the road.
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If you got different wheels and tires recently, then your car vibrating could be from the tires that weren’t balanced correctly. Tire balancing is making sure the weight of the tire and wheel is. So, if you notice the tire shaking while you are driving, it might be a tire that isn’t balanced properly. If you can confirm that the tires are properly balanced, but the car is still shuddering, check to make sure the lugnuts are completely tightened, and ensure the tire pressure is correct. If your tires are causing the shudder, you should get them checked out immediately.
If your vehicle shudders when you brake, that is a pretty obvious signal that you should have your brakes looked at. The most obvious cause of your steering wheel shudder is warped rotors. When a driver presses the brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze the brake rotors to create friction which will then stop your car. If you want smooth braking, you need a smooth surface. A warped surface will vibrate when braking, like how a brick road feels bumpier than an asphalt highway. Other causes of the vibrating include frozen brake calipers and damaged suspension components. If you notice your steering wheel begin to wobble, bring it in to get it inspected.
If the vehicle is shuddering before you ever start driving, then you likely have broken parts. The most common reasons for your car shaking in idle are:
Worn Driveshaft – If not perfectly balanced or damaged, it could be the source of the vibrations
CV joints That Have Failed – Working in conjunction with the drive shaft, cv joints get the power from the engine to the wheels and, if broken, can be the cause of your car shaking in idle.
Failing Engine Mounts – As the name suggests, these parts help secure the engine to the vehicle. If they are damaged or broken, it can let your engine vibrate under the hood.
If you’ve felt a vibration in your vehicle, then bring it in, and we’ll inspect it for any trouble spots. Our knowledgeable technicians will find the cause of the shudder and provide you with options to get you back on the road.
Mercedes-Benz of Clear Lake is an ideal place to get Mercedes-Benz service in the Houston 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 GLC service online or in person today.