Common causes of car brake judder


Steering wheel or body shake during car braking is a common problem encountered by drivers. This issue not only affects the driving experience but may also indicate a safety hazard. The root cause is often related to the condition of the mechanical components of the braking system, installation accuracy, and material properties. One of the core causes of braking shake is the deformation or uneven wear of the brake disc. As the core component of braking friction, the brake disc may lose its planarity due to high-temperature annealing, external impact, or manufacturing defects after long-term use. When the edge of the brake disc becomes uneven or the radial runout exceeds the standard, the uneven distribution of friction force during braking will cause periodic vibration, manifested as shaking of the steering wheel or pedal. In addition, the fit between the brake pad and the brake disc is also crucial. If the contact area between the two is insufficient or there are hard particles, the local friction difference will also trigger shaking. Problems with the assembly of the braking system should not be overlooked. For example, poor brake caliper piston retraction, insufficient lubrication of the guide pins, or loosening of the caliper mounting bracket may cause the braking force output direction to shift, resulting in unbalanced force. Especially in older vehicles, calipers that have not been maintained for a long time tend to accumulate rust and dirt, increasing the movement resistance of the components and further amplifying the shaking phenomenon. It is worth noting that some shaking originates from the tires and suspension system.

Jun 09,2025

A Must-Read for Automotive Brake Upgrades: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls When Modifying Calipers and Brake Discs


The car braking system is related to driving safety and performance. Modifying calipers and brake discs has become the primary choice for many car owners to enhance the driving experience. However, blindly pursuing appearance or parameters may lead to hidden dangers. How to scientifically avoid pitfalls? It is necessary to start from the aspects of matching, material, and installation and maintenance. The original factory braking system is mainly designed based on cost and balance. The number of caliper pistons and the material of the brake disc are often limited by mass production needs. For example, single-piston calipers have uneven brake pressure distribution, which easily leads to uneven brake disc wear; although cast iron discs are low in cost, they dissipate heat slowly and are prone to deformation. During upgrades, it is necessary to prioritize the selection of kits that match the vehicle's power and wheel size. For example, high-horsepower vehicles require multi-piston calipers to increase braking force, while the brake disc diameter needs to be compatible with the wheel hub J value to avoid scratches. The material of the caliper and brake disc directly affects performance and lifespan. It is recommended to choose aluminum alloy material for the caliper, its lightweight characteristics can reduce the burden on the suspension, and the heat dissipation efficiency is better than cast iron; the brake disc needs to be judged according to the usage scenario—high-carbon cast iron discs can be selected for street driving, balancing wear resistance and economy; for track or frequent intense driving, grooved and perforated discs or composite ceramic discs can be considered, the former improves heat dissipation, and the latter reduces weight. It should be noted that the caliper piston area and the brake disc friction area must be proportional.

Jun 04,2025

7 Common Mistakes in Car Brake Repair: Beware of Being Ripped Off!


The automotive braking system is crucial for driving safety, but there are many misconceptions during maintenance, and a slight oversight can lead to being "tricked". Some car owners blindly believe in "original parts are supreme", thinking that only replacing original brake pads and brake discs is safe and reliable, but they ignore the matching of components and the actual degree of wear. In fact, there are many third-party brands that meet national standards or even international certifications, and their performance is not much different from original parts, and the price is lower. Blindly pursuing "original parts" may result in unnecessary premium. The thickness of the brake pads is often considered the basis for replacement, but ignoring the flatness and hardness of the brake disc is even more fatal. Some repair shops, in order to promote transactions, deliberately exaggerate the wear and tear of the brake pads, but avoid mentioning the deformation and scratches of the brake disc. In fact, if the brake disc has deep and shallow grooves or a plane deviation exceeding 0.05mm, it needs to be resurfaced or replaced, otherwise, even if new brake pads are replaced, it will still cause braking jitter, noise, or even uneven wear. The statement that "brake fluid should be changed every two years" is widely circulated, but the replacement cycle varies significantly under different conditions. Frequent and intense driving or use in humid environments may require earlier replacement; while vehicles that have been parked for a long time may have a decrease in boiling point due to the hygroscopicity of the brake fluid, and therefore require more testing. Judging solely by time or mileage is insufficient.

May 27,2025