BMW of Houston Midtown can help you learn why your BMW shakes when braking.
As a driver, one of the most uneasy feelings is when you can feel your car vibrate when driving. Is it a tire puncture, did a pothole damage my suspension, or do I have a broken driveshaft? There are several things that may be the culprit as to why your car is shaking, and the potential problems can vary greatly. The most likely cause of the shaking usually happens in the vicinity of your vehicle’s tires and wheels. They plant the car to the road, and if anything is out of alignment, you are going to feel it. It may be a broken control arm or a broken transmission mount. These more severe component failures could leave you stuck on the side of the road.
If you got new tires recently, then the car shuddering could be from the wheels and tires that were not balanced correctly. Balancing the tires makes sure the weight of the tires and wheels are evenly distributed for the smoothest drive possible. If you notice the tire shuddering while you are driving, it could very well be a tire that is no longer balanced properly. If the new tires are properly balanced, but the car is still vibrating, be sure to check if the lugnuts are fully tightened, and ensure the tires are inflated to the proper air pressure. If your tires are causing the shudder, you should have them checked out immediately.
If your car shakes when you brake, that is a pretty good indicator that you should have the brakes checked out. The most likely cause of your steering wheel shake is warped rotors. When a driver presses the brake pedal, brake pads squeeze the brake rotors to bring your vehicle to a stop. If you want smooth braking, you require a smooth rotor surface. A warped rotor surface will shake when braking, kind of like how a brick road feels rougher than an asphalt highway. Other causes of the shaking include frozen brake calipers and damaged shocks. If you feel your steering wheel wobble, bring it to us, and we’ll check it out.
If your car is shaking before you ever start driving, then you probably have broken car parts. The most obvious causes of a vehicle shaking in idle are:
Worn Driveshaft – If not perfectly balanced or damaged, it might be the source of the shakes
CV joints That Have Gone Bad – Working in conjunction with the drive shaft, cv joints get the engine power to the wheels and tires and, if damaged, can be the cause of the vehicle shaking in idle.
Engine Mounts That Have Failed – As the name suggests, these parts help mount the engine to the car. If they are broken or just damaged, it can allow your engine to shake under the hood.
If you have realized there is a shudder in your car, then bring it to us for a thorough inspection. Our knowledgeable techs will find the cause of the shaking and provide you with options to get you back on the road.
BMW of Houston Midtown is one of the most trusted places to get vehicle service in the En area. We proudly service all makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs. One of our factory-trained experts will inspect your vehicle to determine if there are any necessary repairs and will suggest the best solution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your X5 service online or in person today.
