Why Does My Car Shakes When I Brake From 60 To 80? (Explained!)

Driving can be an enjoyable experience, but when your car starts to shake, it can become unsettling and frightening. One of the most common problems drivers face is shaking or vibrating when braking.

If your car shakes when braking from 60 to 80, it’s essential to identify the problem and address it quickly. Otherwise, it can lead to an accident, compromising your safety and that of others on the road.

There can be multiple reasons why your car shakes when you brake.

It could be due to worn brake pads, rotors, or a suspension issue. Worn out or unevenly worn brake pads can cause the car to shake when you brake. Similarly, damaged or unevenly worn rotors can fail to provide a smooth surface for the brake pads, causing the shaking sensation. A suspension issue, like worn-out shocks or struts, can also cause your car to shake when braking.

To ensure your safety and a smooth driving experience, it’s important to identify the problem and have it fixed as soon as possible. Regular car maintenance, including checking the brake system and suspension, can help prevent such problems.

If you’re unsure what the issue is, get your car checked by a professional mechanic. By fixing the problem early, you’ll save money and prevent more significant issues from developing in the future.

Why Car Shakes When I Brake From 60 To 80 – Causes

In this section, we will discuss the possible reasons why your car shakes when you brake from 60 to 80 miles per hour. There could be several reasons why this is happening, including issues with the brake system, tires, or suspension.

In the next few paragraphs, we will explore each of these possibilities to help you figure out what’s causing the problem and how to fix it.

Warped Brake Rotors

If your car shakes when you apply the brakes from 60 to 80mph, then one of the possible causes could be warped brake rotors. Let’s examine what warped brake rotors are and the points to consider when addressing this issue.

What are warped brake rotors?

Brake rotors are an essential component of your car’s braking system. They are the circular discs that are mounted on the wheel hub. When you step on the brake pedal, the brake pads press against the brake rotors, generating friction that slows down the vehicle.

Warped brake rotors refer to brake rotors that have an uneven surface due to excessive heat or pressure. This unevenness leads to vibrations and pulsations in the steering wheel, brake pedal, and car chassis when you apply the brakes. It is usually noticeable at high speeds and can affect your ability to brake effectively, causing safety hazards on the road.

1. Inspection:

The first step in addressing warped brake rotors is to inspect them for damage. Early detection can save you time and money in the long run. Start by examining the brake rotors for cracks, grooves, and other visible signs of wear and tear. If you notice any irregularities, it’s best to replace the brake rotors immediately.

2. Resurfacing or Replacement:

If the damage is minimal, resurfacing the brake rotors may be an option. This involves shaving off the uneven surface of the brake rotors to make them smoother. However, if the damage is severe, you may need to replace the brake rotors entirely. The cost will depend on the make and model of your car.

3. Professional Help:

It is recommended that you seek the help of a professional mechanic to fix warped brake rotors. Attempting to fix the issue yourself could lead to further damage or cause safety hazards on the road. A professional mechanic will have the knowledge, expertise, and tools to properly diagnose and fix the issue.

Worn Brake Pads

Are you experiencing an unsettling vibration or shaking sensation when you try to slow down your car at high speeds, specifically between 60 and 80 mph? It’s a frightening feeling to deal with, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it.

The root of this problem may lie in your brake pads, which are an essential component of your car’s braking system.

What Are Brake Pads, and Why Are They Important?

Brake pads are small but crucial components that are a part of your car’s braking system. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads get squeezed against the rotor discs (or drums), generating the necessary friction to slow down or stop your car’s wheels. Brake pads consist of metallic or ceramic material.

As they get worn out, it affects their ability to generate sufficient friction with the rotor discs, leading to reduced braking performance. This can cause dangerous situations, especially if you’re trying to stop quickly.

Symptoms of Worn Brake Pads

The following are the common symptoms to look for if your car’s brake pads are worn out:

1. Vibration or shaking while braking at high speeds
2. Squeaking or squealing sounds when you apply the brakes
3. Brake warning light on the dashboard
4. Reduced braking performance and longer stopping distances
5. Vehicle drifting or pulling to one side while braking

Solutions to Fix the Problem

If you’re experiencing the symptoms mentioned earlier, here are some solutions to fix the problem:

1. Brake Pad Replacement: If your brake pads are worn out, the best course of action is to get them replaced. The process is simple and quick, and you can do it at home with the right tools and equipment. Alternatively, you can take your car to a trusted mechanic.

2. Rotor or Drum Replacement: if you have severe damage to your rotors or drums, you may need to replace them completely. It’s essential to get them fixed immediately to avoid accidents.

3. Brake Fluid Flush: Brake fluid flushes are essential to keep your braking system running smoothly. Old brake fluid can cause brake pads to wear out quickly.

4. Inspection: It’s crucial to inspect your brake pads regularly to detect any signs of wear and tear. This will help you detect problems early and save money on repairs.

Faulty Brake Calipers

When it comes to braking, the brake calipers play an essential role in bringing your car to a stop. However, if these components start to malfunction or fail, it can lead to problems with your vehicle’s braking system.

In this section, we will take a closer look at faulty brake calipers and some key points to consider.

Before diving into the specifics of faulty brake calipers, let’s first understand the basics of what brake calipers are and how they work. Brake calipers are essentially the mechanism that houses the brake pads and helps them clamp down onto the rotors to stop the car’s wheels from turning.

They work by using hydraulic pressure from the brake system to push the pads against the rotors, generating friction and ultimately stopping the car.

Now that we know what brake calipers are and how they work let’s discuss some of the most common signs of faulty brake calipers, including:

– Vehicle Pulling: If your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign that one of your brake calipers is sticking or malfunctioning.
– Squeaking Sounds: If you hear a high-pitched squeaking sound when you apply your brakes, it could be a sign that your brake calipers are starting to wear out or have become stuck.
– Uneven Brake Pad Wear: If you notice that your brake pads are wearing unevenly, it could be a sign that your brake calipers are sticking or improperly aligned.
– Reduced stopping power: If your brake pedal feels softer than usual or you need to apply more force to bring your car to a stop, it indicates that your brake calipers are not working correctly or have failed entirely.

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s vital that you have your brake calipers checked and addressed by a professional mechanic.

Several factors can contribute to brake caliper failures. These include:

– Corrosion: Brake calipers are typically made of metal, which can corrode over time, particularly in humid or salty environments. Corrosion can lead to sticking brake calipers, meaning that the brake pads don’t come in contact with the brake rotor.
– Brake Fluid Leaks: Brake calipers rely on hydraulic pressure to function correctly, and brake fluid is the medium for this pressure. Any brake fluid leaks caused by damaged brake hoses or faulty master cylinders can lead to brake caliper failures.
– Seized Pistons: The brake caliper’s main component is the piston, which moves back and forth to press the brake pads against the rotor. If the piston is stuck or seized due to corrosion, dirt, or debris, it can result in a faulty brake caliper.

If you suspect that you have faulty brake calipers, it’s essential to have them inspected by a trained mechanic. Depending on the severity of the issue, they may be able to repair your brake calipers or replace them entirely.

In either case, it’s crucial to address the problem as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your vehicle’s braking system.

Uneven Tire Wear

Uneven tire wear is a common cause of car shake when braking from 60 to 80 mph. It is a problem that can lead to serious consequences such as poor handling, decreased gas mileage, and even dangerous blowouts on the highway.

There is more to uneven tire wear than just the annoying vibrations when braking. It is a sign of a bigger underlying issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Here are some points to consider when dealing with uneven tire wear:

Uneven tire wear can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

– Improper inflation – Tires with too much or too little air can cause uneven wear
– Misalignment – Wheels out of alignment can cause uneven wear on the inside or outside edges of the tire
– Suspension problems – Worn-out shocks or struts can cause the tire to bounce, resulting in uneven wear
– Driving habits – Hard braking or sudden acceleration can put extra stress on the tires, causing uneven wear
– Tire rotation – Neglecting to rotate the tires regularly can lead to uneven wear over time.

The solution to uneven tire wear depends on the cause. Here are some things you can do to fix the problem:

– Check tire pressure regularly – Keeping the tires properly inflated can help prevent uneven wear.
– Get an alignment – If the wheels are out of alignment, a professional alignment can correct the issue.
– Replace worn-out suspension parts – If the shocks or struts are worn out, replacing them can help restore the proper ride height and prevent bouncing.
– Drive more smoothly – Avoid harsh braking or sudden acceleration to reduce stress on the tires.
– Rotate the tires – Regular tire rotation can help distribute wear evenly and extend the life of the tires.

Suspension Issues

When it comes to a shaking car while braking, suspension issues are a major contributor. The suspension system of a car is responsible for keeping the ride comfortable, stable, and safe.

To diagnose suspension issues, it is best to take the car to a trusted mechanic. They will be able to assess the condition of the suspension system and recommend necessary repairs. Regular maintenance such as tire rotations and wheel balancing can also help prevent suspension issues from occurring.

Prevention Tips

Regular maintenance is vital when it comes to ensuring that your car is in the best condition possible. It is important to have your brakes checked regularly by a trained professional to avoid any potential problems. You should also have the vehicle checked for any issues with the alignment, suspension or tires as any of these could be contributing factors to the shaking.

Your driving habits also play a crucial role in preventing shaking when braking. Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you will allow you to avoid harsh braking or sudden stops. This will reduce the chances of your vehicle experiencing any kind of shaking or vibration.

Avoiding harsh braking is also key to maintaining a healthy braking system. Over time, excessive braking can cause the rotor to warp and in turn, can cause your car to vibrate when stopping. Try to brake gently before coming to a stop, instead of slamming on the brakes.

Early detection of car problems is always better than waiting for the issue to worsen. If you feel any kind of shaking while braking, it is best to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. The sooner the problem is diagnosed, the less likely it is to worsen and become more expensive to fix.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does my car shake when I brake from 60 to 80 mph?

A: There could be several reasons why this is happening. The most common cause of this issue is worn brake pads or warped rotors. Other causes could include loose or worn suspension components, tire balance issues, or a misaligned wheel.

Q: How dangerous is it to drive with this issue?

A: Driving with a shaking car can be dangerous, as it can affect your ability to brake or steer properly. It is important to get your car checked out as soon as possible to prevent any potential accidents.

Q: Can I still drive my car with this issue?

A: It is not recommended to drive your car with this issue for an extended period of time. However, if you need to get to a mechanic, drive at a slower speed and give yourself plenty of time to come to a stop.

Q: How much will it cost to fix this issue?

A: The cost of repairing this issue will depend on the cause of the problem. If it’s just a matter of replacing the brake pads, it could cost anywhere from $100 to $300. However, if the issue is caused by a more serious problem, like a warped rotor, it could cost upwards of $1,000.

Q: Can I fix this issue myself?

A: It is not recommended to attempt to fix this issue yourself unless you have experience working on cars. This issue requires a careful diagnosis, and the repair process can be complex and potentially dangerous if not done correctly. It’s best to take your car to a qualified mechanic for repairs.

Q: How can I prevent this issue from happening in the future?

A: Regular maintenance on your car can help prevent issues like this from occurring. Make sure to get your brakes inspected regularly and replace them as needed. Also, make sure to get your tires rotated and balanced on a regular basis, and have your suspension components checked for wear and tear.