When you step on the Brake pedal of your car, you expect it to stop smoothly and without any trouble.
However, if your car jerks when you brake, it can be a frustrating and dangerous experience.
Not only can it cause your car to skid, but it can also result in accidents if not addressed promptly.
In our previous article, we have also discussed why my car jerks when I accelerate, you can check those from here as well.
In this article, we will discuss the 15 possible reasons why your car jerks when you brake and their respective solutions.
Why Does My Car Jerk When I Brake?
The following are the 15 reasons why my car jerks when I brake:
- Worn Out Brake Pads
- Warped Brake Rotors
- Worn Out Suspension
- Malfunctioning ABS System
- Faulty Brake Booster
- Dirty Brake Fluid
- Clogged Brake Lines
- Sticking Brake Calipers
- Loose Wheel Bearings
- Worn Out Tires
- Faulty Brake Master Cylinder
- Vacuum Leak
- Low Brake Fluid Level
- Worn Out Brake Drums
- Bad Brake Hoses
Worn Out Brake Pads
One of the most common causes of jerking when braking is worn brake pads.
Brake pads are responsible for creating the friction needed to stop your car.
Over time, they wear down and become thinner, which reduces their effectiveness, causing the brake pads to not generate enough friction to stop the car smoothly, resulting in jerks when you apply the brakes.
In this situation, the brake pads should be replaced immediately to prevent further damage to the rotor and ensure safe braking.
Warped Brake Rotors
Brake rotors are circular metal discs that rotate with the wheel and are gripped by the brake pads to slow or stop the vehicle.
If your brake rotors are warped, it can cause your car to jerk when braking as the brake pads may not make contact with the rotors, causing jerks when you apply the brakes.
Warped rotors can happen due to overheating or driving on rough roads.
If the rotor is badly worn, get it replaced.
Worn Out Suspension
The car suspension system helps absorb shock and keep your car stable.
If they are worn, they can cause your car to bounce and jerk when you apply the brakes because the suspension is not able to absorb the impact of braking.
In such cases, all suspension components should be thoroughly inspected and any worn-out old suspension components, such as shocks, struts, or bushings, should be replaced.
Malfunctioning ABS System
The ABS (anti-lock braking system) is designed to prevent your wheels from locking up when you brake.
A malfunctioning ABS system can cause your car to jerk when you brake. This is because the ABS system is not functioning properly to prevent the wheels from locking up.
The solution is to have the ABS system checked and repaired or replaced if necessary.
Faulty Brake Booster
The brake booster is responsible for providing the additional force needed to apply the brakes.
If it is faulty, it will not be able to provide enough power to the brake system and your car may jerk whenever you apply the brakes.
If you feel there is a problem with the brake booster, replace it immediately.
Dirty Brake Fluid
Dirty brake fluid can cause your car to jerk when you brake. The fluid helps transfer pressure to the brakes, and if it's dirty, it won't be able to do its job effectively.
In such conditions, periodically flush and replace the brake fluid to ensure the proper functioning of the braking system.
Clogged Brake Lines
The brake lines are responsible for carrying brake fluid from the master cylinder to the calipers.
Clogged brake lines can cause air to get into your brake lines, making your brakes feel spongy and jerky when you apply pressure.
In such situations, it is necessary to periodically clean the brake line and bled to remove the air to maintain the proper functioning of the braking system.
Sticking Brake Calipers
Brake calipers hold the brake pads and apply pressure to the brake rotors to slow or stop the vehicle.
If brake calipers are sticking, the brake pads will not be able to release from the rotors properly, which can cause jerking or vibration when braking.
Sticking calipers can happen due to dirt, debris, or rust.
In this case, the brake calipers should be cleaned or replaced if they are badly damaged.
Loose Wheel Bearings
Loose wheel bearings can cause your car to jerk when you brake. The bearings are responsible for allowing the wheels to rotate smoothly, and if they're loose, the wheels may wobble.
If the wobble is happening due to the wheel bearing, then give it proper lubrication, if it is completely damaged then it would be appropriate to replace it.
Worn Out Tires
Worn-out tires can cause your car to jerk when you brake.
The tires are responsible for creating traction on the road, and if they're worn out, they won't be able to do their job effectively.
Tires are very important for the safe driving of the vehicle, so if you think that the tire is worn, then immediately take it to the mechanic and get it fixed.
Faulty Brake Master Cylinder
The brake master cylinder is used to provide hydraulic pressure to the brake system.
If it's faulty, it won't be able to regulate the flow of brake fluid properly, which may cause jerks when you apply the brakes.
The only solution is to replace the brake master cylinder.
Vacuum Leak
A vacuum leak can cause jerking when you brake because it affects the performance of the brake booster.
A vacuum leak can happen due to a cracked or damaged hose.
The solution is to locate and repair the vacuum leak
Low Brake Fluid Level
If the brake fluid level is low, it can cause jerking when you brake.
The fluid helps transfer pressure to the brakes, and if it's low, there won't be enough pressure to stop the car smoothly.
The solution is to check the brake fluid level and add more brake fluid if necessary.
Worn Out Brake Drums
A brake drum is a component of a drum brake system that is used in some vehicles to slow down or stop the vehicle.
It is typically found on the rear wheels of cars, trucks, and buses, while disc brakes are used on the front wheels.
If your car has brake drums instead of rotors, worn-out brake drums can cause your car to jerk when you brake.
This happens because the brake shoes do not make contact with the drum.
Resurfacing or replacing worn-out brake drums is necessary to ensure the proper function of the braking system.
Bad Brake Hoses
Brake hoses carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders, allowing the brakes to be applied.
If the brake hoses are worn or damaged, this can make the brakes less responsive and cause jerks when you apply the brakes.
If the brake hoses are worn or damaged, the only solution is to replace them.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why your car may jerk when you brake.
Some of these reasons are easy to fix, while others require more extensive repairs.
If you're experiencing jerking when you brake, it's essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to identify and fix the problem.
Regular maintenance, such as replacing brake pads and flushing brake fluid, can also help prevent jerking and ensure your car stops smoothly and safely.
Thank You
