A new set of brake pads may be the easiest way to address your vehicle's brake shudder. However, in some cases replacing your brake rotors or having them resurfaced will fix the brake shudder. If you're replacing brake rotors, it is recommended you also consider replacing the brake pads as well.
What is the most common cause of brake judder?
The brake disc developing disc thickness variation (DTV) over time, is the most common cause of judder. Disc thickness variation is when the disc has worn unevenly, causing the two friction surfaces of the disc to no longer be parallel with each other. This is often confused with disc warping.
What causes brakes to stutter?
Brake vibration, or what can also be referred to as a shaking or pulsation, often is the result of parts of the disc brake's rotor being thinner than others instead of uniform all around. If the vehicle's pads “drag” on the rotors too long, the brake rotor and/or the pads can become damaged.
What does brake shudder mean?
Brake shudder (also known as brake judder) is the vibration felt through the steering wheel and suspension when the brakes are applied at certain speeds and pressures. It can vary from a barely noticeable vibration to a violent judder experienced through either the brake pedal or steering wheel.
What causes brake shudder?
Brake shudder… This refers to the uneven wear of brake discs and is the result of rotor run out. If your brake discs are unevenly worn the brake pads come in contact with the flat spots present in the rotor's surface which causes the vibration that we call brake shudder.