What Causes Brake Shuddering, Shaking, and Pulsing on My Car or Truck?

Do your wheel start vibrating after driving for a while? Can you feel a pulsing or vibration when you press on the pedal? These pulsations, shaking, and vibrating can be caused by warped or damaged rotors, damaged brake pads, and other serious problems. Check out this video to find out how to check your brakes for a problem!
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

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[@MrYega-zq7rz]

Do you have to replace the brake pads if you do get new rotors? Would used brake pads mess up new rotors?

[@ejaylerma3808]

@@MrYega-zq7rz 3³

[@crazyorwhat]

❤❤

[@beardenstephen1]

I've been pulling a wrench for 45 years (ASE Certified) & this video is as good as it gets for describing brake & rotor issues. Keep up the good work, a lot of do it yourselfers count on it.

[@1AAuto]

+Michael Bearden Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@jeep7612]

Ass certified cool

[@jeep7612]

Ase*

[@lstruggy]

I’m getting ready to change my rotors and pads from my 07 jgc laredo. Are amazon brake kits reliable? I’d hate to go to dealership for oem parts but she just hit 196K and I do feel vibration under heavy braking I think it’s time for a new set (looking atm from amazon $200)

[@PossumMedic]

@@lstruggy I wouldn't bet my life on any products from Amazon

[@dennisrundle295]

Absolutely spot on explanation of brake pulsation, you are 1,000 times better than any A1 auto owner that made a youtube video...

[@codymezzatesto1203]

In my opinion he is the best person to demonstrate information/ causes from their group because it's simple, down to earth explanations and his energy portraying information doesn't make you fall asleep. Another good video man 👍

[@1AAuto]

Couldn't agree more! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@codefupanda]

The best 3 seconds in the video is at the 7:47 mark. It cures all sadness.

[@jocarr1791]

Hey, Len, just stopping by to thank you for putting your time and effort into making these videos. I appreciate you and I hope you're doing well.

[@moushunter]

Synthetic brake fluid is making it's way into braking issues too. DOT 3 and 4 seem to absorb moisture overtime which creates a thickening of the fluid. It could cause blockages or weak pressure to a caliper, unequal pressure to calipers etc. It could also cause the fluid to expand when it gets hot cause one or more calibers to apply pad pressure to a rotor. It does the same thing with hydraulic clutches too. It is a good idea to flush those systems periodically. When I did my front brakes last year one pad was worn to the metal and the other had 4mm of pad left. The fluid in the lines was milky and thicker than normal. I flushed the entire system.

[@gy9969]

Thanks, I agree that bad brake fluid can also affect braking-excellent point.

[@IamJanz]

My mother has had her breaks done so many times but her suv still has the shudder or pulsation happening when breaking going down hills. Im going to show her this video so she can get the breaks fixed properly. Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@deejay4837]

If she hasn't fixed the issue by now, she needs to check her hub and bearing assembly. Most likely the hub is bent thus unevenly wearing her new rotors one after another. Also make sure her wheel isn't bent as well. This can be caused by a simple slow slide into a curb in the winter. All the mass of the automobile is forced into one spot and then the damage occurs. The hub is all too often over looked as the technicians are poorly trained.

[@billyarsenault1970]

Get out there and fix that shit Janz. Why do u think she had a son?

[@peterdau6838]

I truly love Len! I can't tell you how many issues I've had with my 2 cars where I just KZbin the problem and lo and behold: Len has a video demonstrating exactly how to fix it.

[@deespasojevic3013]

1A auto is amazing with all of their videos. Teaching people the how and why. Nice job Lenn

[@1AAuto]

Thank you!

[@davidkafka2452]

Very comprehensive overview of brake rotor problems and symptoms. Good job

[@jontnoneya3404]

Holy cow - I learned more about braking issues in this 10 min video than I've ever known. Well done and thank you for all the details. I especially love the detailed explanations of all the different things that can cause a pulsation. You also gave examples of what might be a minor issue but still safe vs what a serious issue would be and why. That's unbelievably helpful. Thanks again and keep up the great work!!

[@davidjohnson4563]

wow!! this guy explains the problem flawlessly. I fully understood what he was saying. great,great video

[@eowen6087]

Great video. Thank you guys for being great step by step communicators.

[@air-eck6188]

Excellent, knowledgeable explanation that answered lots of my concerns…your channel is my resource for all my DIY needs!

[@SuperWingman69]

Great info. Adding a couple cents to the pot.... don't forget to check the wheel hub face for runout and the surface conditions of the rotor hat section (the surface that rests on the wheel hub) and wheel hub for road dirt/corrosion build up. If the rotor to wheel hub mounting surfaces are not flat/clean this condition can translate to the rotor having excessive runout.

[@ollieshattock2846]

Very good point

[@martinbrown-wh3ox]

Brake discs don't warp. The slightest run-out introduced when mounting new, wears so as to make the disc thinner on the two opposite sides. The two high spots are worn away. So as it goes round, the pads rub on thick thin thick thin. Calipers can follow a run out of 5 thou without any problem, but a variation in thickness of just 0.0005 inches will be a pulsation of your brake pedal.

[@pikespeak361]

It's probably the calipers.

[@gy9969]

Hey Len, you’re great! Thanks for explaining what causes brake pulsation. This video will help many DIY and even some experienced mechanics. Hopefully you make more videos.

[@sheilaguttman830]

Wow! this guy is really an Expert on brakes I was so impressed by his knowledge

[@williamj768]

even with new rotors, before you install clean the face of the axle hub really well with a wire brush on a drill. Get ALL the crud off. this will insure the rotor sits flush and true onto the hub and will help minimize judder later.

[@1AAuto]

+william j Thanks for the tip! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@SpookyDaScary59]

Amazing tip

[@TonySmith-H-Town_83.Detailer]

See I didn't use brush man dang

[@debbiethornton1430]

Also apply a good coating of "Anti sieze" on any connecting surfaces. That way next time you have do brakes, everything comes apart like it's supposed to and you won't have to pound the rotor off with a 10 pound hammer.

[@494roman]

Love how you guys explain the full information of what people wants to know of vehicles

[@terminatordestroy1764]

good video. I thought the pulsing in my car was from my front rotors, but the vibrations are felt in the brake pedal / car, not in the steering wheel so it's likely from the rear brakes.

[@rstar88105]

Ok so brake pulsation is always a hot topic. Rotors usually don't "warp" due to too much heat on the rotor but too much heat on the pads. Steel goes through a phase change in structure much higher than normal driving (think when rotors glow on a race track). One of the for sure ways pulsation car occur is uneven pad material transfer to the rotors due to poor driving habits or poor break in after install. This is why pad manufacturers recommend to avoid holding the brakes when the vehicle is at rest during the initial pad break in procedure test drive. Heavy uneven corrosion on rotors such as what dealerships call "lot rot" is another culprit.

[@grossmeister1181]

Well, yeah, but they also do "warp" or, also very common, due to other failures, have uneven wear that increases the effect. A real warped disc is the less common thing, yeah, but it does happen. E.g. people driving down a hill, foot on the brake, temperature in the disc rising high, then coming to a complete stop where the part of the disc where the pads are will cool down a lot quicker and the disc might get warped.

[@jacobclark89]

Man, this guy is amazing at making repair videos ! I want to add to always use special synthetic brake caliper greese on pins and slides other greese can breakdown from hight heat and gum up the calipers and stop them from moving properly .

[@kylegrunert22]

Spot on man thank you! So tired of wobbling when I come to a stop

[@gy9969]

Hey Len, I think that you’re great! Best explanation video on brake pulsation thus far. Thanks

[@rustybullet3165]

Great guy having great knowledge of auto mechanic and problems

[@TedTremendous]

Amazing Masterclass video, well done!

[@1AAuto]

Thank you!

[@rafffer3951]

As always, very informative and excellent video keep up the good work

[@kylequarles07]

Great explanation and answers to my questions! Thanks so much guys!!! Keep up the great work and videos!

[@jrrode5670]

This video saved me!!! Thank you so much!!! I never knew that modern rotors didn't have enough "meat" on them to be cut. That's important info for the DIY. Thank you!!!

[@YTC518]

Love your videos brother. Always to the point and very well articulated. They are very informative! Thank you for the work you do.👍👍🙏🙏

[@tomato88ish]

Best educational brake video Ive watched. TY

[@fudgediko3014]

Love you mate. You have passion for your job. Thanks for the tip its fantastic!!!

[@iggwhy5380]

My car NEVER shook until I got my breaks done. I got my tires balanced and it still shakes. So you're telling me PepBoys messed up my car? 🧐

[@Michael.1776]

Google a local family owned mechanic shop. Read the reviews. Try to find honest mechanics. Definitely not one of these corporate places... jiffy lube pep boys, etc...

[@BassBrotherBuild]

Best video I've ever seen on this issue

[@keisham]

very detailed and clear explanation. 🙏🏻

[@TyroneMaye]

I appreciate you taking the time explaining things this video has given me a bit more clarity upon pulsation when braking. i still need to gain better understanding of the abs system... to know the difference in diagnosing a issue. To determine whether it is in fact the calipers with piston issue or any of the encompassing components...to the actual abs system causing the problem...

[@KaySkywalker]

thank you so much, I've been trying to find a reason for my car shaking when braking and it was shaking he did tell me my rears need to be done but this gives me a peace of that its not as bad as I was originally thinking, time to make the appointment

[@ollieshattock2846]

Brilliant video, very factual and no bull. Good to see some one make a video who knows what there on about. Was making judgments from the start very impressed keep it up

[@jjavegam]

Super amazing and very good explanation, thanks

[@stephenturley1960]

Excellent video!

[@bwagenberg]

Fantastic detail, thanks.

[@sejonez]

I would like to find a good mechanic technician with the knowledge of this guy. Very good explanation!

[@arestaurantlife5100]

Excellent video! Great job!

[@1AAuto]

Thank you very much!

[@juancedrno670]

Thank you very much for this message of how to fix the brakes may God bless you and your family and I love your show

[@ShaDusK]

Beautiful video good sir.

[@thunderstruck5484]

Great information thanks for the help!

[@1AAuto]

We love helping our viewers DIY! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@karenheater5385]

Thank you for this information !! I have been so frustrated with my situation with my vehicle. I knew I had to replace the rotors . I know a little bit about vehicles. but I am always willing to learn more. thank you.

[@johnlovorn5413]

Great job. 1A Auto is the best.

[@1AAuto]

+John Lovorn Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@daviderhahon]

Great video. Great information

[@1AAuto]

+daviderhahon Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@golddiggerxxxxx]

Awesome video man!! 👍🏼🖖🏼👏🏼🤗

[@cullumdoss-dewinter655]

After watching this video I’ve realized I need to change just about everything to fix my pulsating hahahaha 😂

[@1AAuto]

+Cullum Doss-DeWinter Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@andrewbarclay6573]

Facts

[@MrJamijamil]

Thanks this will help me with my veerikal

[@rachelmohmand1098]

hi dad😃 my veerikal no longer shakes thank you sir

[@1AAuto]

😂 Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@themacawley]

My veerikal is running great now

[@mahmoudalshawi2010]

Very useful information... thanks a lot ....

[@1AAuto]

+Mahmoud Al Shawi Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@ClassicCarHaven]

Thank you 1A auto.

[@joeygordon7265]

You solved my problem. Thanks

[@Ali-Muscle]

Good info !

[@douglasjewell9324]

Very good video !!!!!

[@marlinlane2456]

Thanks u made my day cause once the brakes warm-up that left front tire start dancing with the steering wheel once again Thanks

[@HLCA01]

thanks for information

[@henrymartinez5595]

Sir, great video. I have a 2011 Chevy Silverado Truck. prior to replacing my rear brakes no Rear Shudder / NO Pulsation happening. During a dealer inspection, they recommended to get my rear brakes replaces. So, I did and got the parts from Auto Zone, brakes and drums, took it to our local brake shop, once they finished the job. Drove off and on my way home, I noticed a Shudder/Pulsation when I apply the brakes coming from the rear. What course of action I should take? New Brakes, springs, drums were provided to the mechanic. Very Respectfully H.A.M

[@biggeno69]

Great info

[@TACOMACARSCENEYT]

thank you so much. You helped me alot.

[@josephda360]

To much good info. I had to subscribe

[@1AAuto]

Thanks!

[@NinoSutton]

good video!

[@mywifecantdrivegaming1111]

You said exactly what I’ve been telling these mechanics my problem, too bad they told me about a month ago that nothing was wrong and they even test drove it. They said my rotors and brakes are in great condition and I’d be wasting money changing them. Im going somewhere else and I will also mention about getting the calipers checked for freezing issues. I knew something was wrong so I’m replacing both today because I’m getting pulsation every couple stops for over a month now.

[@ChandraSQLVideos]

Fantastic video..

[@1AAuto]

Thank you!

[@76jrjz]

Great and we’ll explain it thank you so much

[@OscarHanzely]

You don't replace rotors without the pads, but its perfectly normal to replace just the pads without the rotors, they are meant to last less than rotors and being replaced as they wear down unless you hit the metal to metal grinding of the rotors.

[@streetskolez4361]

You are a teacher by Nature

[@nflores5433]

Found some drilled and slotted rotors at the junkyard. No more pulsing.

[@mattwernecke2342]

I just got new rotors and pads from you guys and I'm having this issue on highway driving.

[@1AAuto]

+Matt Wernecke Thanks for watching! If you are having issues with the brakes you ordered from us please contact our customer service department right away. We are more than happy to help resolve the issue!

[@stevegipson4315]

thanks for that video

[@TimmayRat]

Good video showing what could be wrong with you vearicle

[@prestondallas4035]

And don't forget to check the wheel bearings.. I have seen hub assemblies heat up wheels causing me to check the brakes to see if I had a caliper hanging on. Noticed some vibration the end up coming not from the rotor but from the bearing beginning to come apart and allowing the wheel to warble a little

[@rsk8310]

I am getting ready to check this situation out on my 95 ford f150, ( 99,000 miles ) I will be buying bearings too. My truck was so bad I could hardly drive it ( sometimes ) . It was toe in about an inch and I reset the toe, tie rods and joints were good though. That took care of a lot of it but still feel the vibration and the right hub gets hot. Well nothing else to do this weekend lol. This old 60 year old is going back under the truck.

[@WhiteBuffalo187]

Thank you, i have fixed my verichle

[@f1f278]

I really dig the verbal, as well as signing for the deaf, he does at the same time.... 😂

[@tkcx2636]

any help i have a 2001 tundra v6 problem. The problem it that when i brake it vibrate and shaking but when it running no vibrate only when brake so i replace new calipers,rotors, brake pab, new tires ,driveshaft support center bearing and the all 3 u joins but still vibrate any help thank you

[@ananth218Canada]

7:47 me when im driving to a job interview

[@1AAuto]

🤣Thank you for checking out the video. If you need auto parts go to: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-Now

[@godfreymudau2013]

Thank you

[@matth8961]

I live in an area with a lot of low water Crossings. Mechanics in my area have told me can regularly pause rotor warping

[@olivedrabgarage6243]

My daily just had brand new slotted and rolled rotors put on the front and machined reco's on the rear, standard pads on the rear and metal's on the front and I still have shuddering when braking. I have this metallic sound from the left rear, I suspect a calliper not retracting properly but the shuddering.....could that be because of worn put tie rod ends?

[@lil_kadaver]

This helped me to know to look at all potential issues except just jump right in and replace rotors and pads, so definitely gonna be doing some more diagnosing cuz it was very minor at 1st now when I brake it's all brrrrrrruuuuurrrrrruuurrr!!! Lmao 🤣 so it's pretty rough 😅

[@marvickson]

The vericle 😂 sorry great video man

[@happycat0411]

Warped rotors from over tightening the lugs nuts. Back in the 70s, 80s, 90s we learned to diagnose car problems from similar past experience problems. Vehicles are pretty much still the same today except manufacturers have put in way too many sensors and have made cars way too complex (electronics wise) as manufacturers have seen there is a huge market in the car repair industry. Do people really need a sensor in their windshield washer reservoir and tire pressure sensors are a complete joke in themselves! How hard is it to check your tire pressure once a month? These are 5 minute jobs at the most and for some reason the auto industry thinks people are much too stupid and lazy to do even basic maintenance on their vehicles.

[@myearsgotyouthsystem8802]

Well done for saying that, they think everyone is rich, celebrity and lazy.

[@John.Skelton]

😳OH MY GOODNESS! I HAD NO IDEA THERE WAS SO MANY ASPECTS TO CAUSING BRAKE PROBLEMS LIKE SUSPENSION, TIE RODS, ECT! 🤯

[@flex5966]

Hi, My 2016 Ford Cmax Hybrid brake pedal normally stays hard before startup. The Cmax has 16k miles on it, The brake on startup just traveled halfway to the floor before startup. The brakes work normally and there are no visible leaks and the pads are like new. Took it to the Ford dealer under warranty and it was determined to be the Brake booster. 60 days later ( Part delays ), The car is returned to me repaired according to them. The Cmax was returned to me with the same condition I brought it in with. They maintain it was repaired. I'm taking it to another dealer for a second opinion. Is there a procedure to reset the pedal back to factory norms that the first shop missed? Thoughts

[@gamercat7004]

Does cupping on tire tread cause a shake noise when slowing down from a fast drive to slow down but not shaking on the steering wheel.

[@woodworm3615]

From Wagner is a brake shoe Hybrid-Organic. Also, put the slotted new RecativeOne Roters on. All the way around. Don't forget the brake fluid topic. Condensation will get into the brake lines over time. BLEED THOSE LINES. FRESH JUICE IS GOOD! MY 2500 breaking is the best now. Did it all at home. No video's no vanity. Neener neener....

[@timszon]

Can you make a video on a 2012 Dodge Journey Struts and shocks

[@luismorato8647]

this guy is so good with information

[@dkapasi4]

Where in Houston area do you have workshop, if any? I do experience pulsing while braking my Mercedes

[@markguarino1282]

Thank you for the valuable information. So direct and gave me peace of mind as i thought I accidently sprayed WD 40 on Disc

[@prettynatural1973]

Thanks

[@user-di2cz6lj1j]

Hi, What about bent front CV axel as cause of break disk pulsation and warping..as bemt cv axel is not letting the rottor rotate evenly... What's your opinion on it.

[@bm4305]

Thank you very much brother. That was helpful.

[@belogical3961]

I have drilled and slotted rotors on the rear of my car and I think I just want slotted on the front. I think that slotted and drilled is just too much metal taken away from the rotor and perhaps it might not work as well long term with my driving style.

[@ringwormts115]

He forgot to mention a dusty/rusty hub when the rotor was fitted . This would cause a judder and it happened to me when the mechanic never cleaned the hub

[@markschannel9147]

I’m having this problem on my corolla IM. What should i do? Any suggestions. Thank you