9
If you notice that your car jerks when braking, you should not underestimate this. Braking is a key safety aspect that must always function perfectly.
Car judders when braking: brake discs as the cause
The brakes are essential for coming to a standstill in good time in dangerous situations. Jerking when braking is a clear warning signal that a component of the brake system is not functioning correctly.
- Particularly cheap, inferior quality brake discs can lead to juddering when braking. This is often caused by an uneven coefficient of friction on the disc surface, which means that the same braking force is not applied at every point.
- Another reason can be overheating of certain areas of the brake disc, for example during long downhill runs. These thermal loads lead to deformations, which cause jerking. Blue discolored areas on the disc indicate overheating.
- Material stresses caused by rapid cooling, e.g. when driving through puddles of water with a hot brake rotor, are also a common cause of warping. Normal wear can also lead to uneven wear over time.
- Tip: Have the brake discs of your car checked regularly in a workshop for even wear and possible deformation.
Tires as the cause of jerking when braking
The problem is not always due to the brake system, the tires can also be responsible.
- Imbalance: If a tire is not correctly balanced, there will be noticeable juddering, especially when braking and at higher speeds. A simple balancing in the workshop can remedy this.
- Structural tire damage: In rarer cases, a delamination in the tire substructure, e.g. a loosened belt, can lead to similar symptoms. Such damage is dangerous and should be checked immediately by specialist personnel.
- Winter influences: In winter, adhering snow residues or pieces of ice can also cause irregular handling. Also check that the tires are correctly fitted and firmly tightened.
Other possible causes of jerky braking
Other components can pose a safety risk when braking.
- Tie rod ends: If your vehicle pulls to the right or left when braking or if you frequently have to counter-steer during normal driving, the tie rod ends may be worn. This represents a serious safety risk.
- Wishbone bushings: Similar symptoms can be caused by worn out wishbone bushings . These rubber elements buffer movements of the wheel suspension and ensure stable tracking. If they are defective, driving behavior also suffers considerably.
- Note: A precise diagnosis requires a visual inspection on the lift and, if necessary, feeling for play in the joint.
- Wheel bearings: Defective wheel bearings can also cause jerking when braking – especially if there are also grinding noises or the vehicle pulls to one side.
- Diagnostic tip: Lift the affected wheel (e.g. using a jack) and turn it by hand. Listen for grinding or grinding noises or tangible resistance. Lateral play when the tire wobbles can also indicate a worn bearing.
- ABS – anti-lock braking system: If you only feel the jerking during very hard braking maneuvers, it is most likely due to the ABS intervening. This system prevents the wheels from locking and ensures that the vehicle can still be steered in extreme situations.
- Important: A pulsating pedal feel on wet or slippery roads is completely normal. However, if it occurs on a dry road and with moderate braking, this can
