Why Does My Steering Wheel Jerk When I Brake?

AvatarByCarl Frisch

When a driver brakes, the steering wheel may jerk or vibrate unexpectedly. This is generally caused by an issue with the vehicle’s suspension, brakes, or tires. The most common cause of this issue is worn suspension components such as shocks, struts, and ball joints. Worn brakes and tires can also contribute to steering wheel jerks when braking. In some cases, the problem may be due to an unevenly worn tire or a bent brake rotor. It is important to have a professional inspect the vehicle in order to identify and repair any underlying issues.

Automobile: Steering Wheel Jerks When Braking

When driving an automobile, the most important thing is to stay safe on the roads. Unfortunately, even the most well-maintained vehicles can experience difficulties from time to time. One such issue is steering wheel jerks when braking, a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. In order to understand and address this problem, let’s take a closer look at the possible causes, how to fix it, symptoms and diagnosis of steering wheel jerks when braking and how to prevent it in the future.

Causes of Steering Wheel Jerks When Braking

The potential causes of steering wheel jerks when braking can range from poor road conditions all the way up to worn out suspension components. Poor road conditions can cause excessive jarring on the brakes as they are applied which can cause the steering wheel to jerk suddenly. Faulty brake pumps or unbalanced tires can also be culprits for this issue as they can cause uneven wear on the brakes which will affect their performance when applied. Finally, worn out suspension components such as shock absorbers or springs may contribute to this problem as well since they are responsible for helping keep your car stable and controllable while driving.

How to Fix Steering Wheel Jerks When Braking

In order to fix steering wheel jerks when braking, you need to first identify what is causing it in your vehicle. This can be done by checking tire balance and alignment as well as replacing any worn out suspension components such as shock absorbers or springs. If necessary, you may also need to install a new brake pump if your current one is failing or not delivering enough pressure on application of the brakes which could cause your wheels to jerk suddenly when braking hard. Finally, if poor road conditions are causing excessive jarring on your brakes then you may need to adjust these accordingly in order for them not to cause further issues with your car’s stability while driving.

Symptoms of Steering Wheel Jerks When Braking

If you suspect that you have an issue with steering wheel jerks when braking then there are certain symptoms that you should look out for in order to confirm this suspicion. These include uneven tire wear due to excessive pressure being applied unevenly across them while braking hard; unstable movement of the steering wheel during application of the brakes; vibrations during braking; and sudden jolts in the steering wheel if there is a fault with one or more of its components such as faulty brake pumps or unbalanced tires.

Diagnosing The Problem Of Steering Wheel Jerks When Braking

In order for you to accurately diagnose what is causing steering wheel jerks when braking in your vehicle then there are certain steps that need to be taken in order for you do so correctly and effectively. This includes performing a visual inspection of both tires and suspension parts for any signs of wear or damage; inspecting for any leaks in the brake system; using a diagnostic tool on your vehicle’s computer system in order identify any faults with its components; and testing each component separately until you have identified what is causing this issue with your car’s performance while driving .

Preventing Steering Wheel Jerks When Braking

Preventing steering wheel jerks when braking involves regular maintenance of tires and suspension parts so that they remain intact and functioning correctly at all times; keeping an eye on any fluid leaks in the brake system so that they can be addressed quickly before becoming an issue; driving smoothly over poor road conditions so that excessive jarring does not occur often; and avoiding sudden stops or starts which could cause issues with how quickly pressure is applied onto each tire while braking hard thus preventing sudden jerking movements from occurring at high speed .

By taking these simple steps into consideration every time you drive then you should be able reduce further occurrences of steering wheel jerks when braking significantly thus allowing yourself more control over your vehicle while driving at all times .

Steering Wheel Jerks when Braking

When you press the brake pedal, the first thing you want to feel is a smooth and consistent deceleration. Unfortunately, if your vehicle has a steering wheel that jerks when braking, this isn’t the experience you get.

This issue can be quite concerning, as it not only affects your ability to drive with confidence, but it can also be indicative of a larger problem with your car’s braking system. To understand why your steering wheel jerks when braking and how to fix it, let’s break down the underlying causes and potential solutions.

Common Causes of Steering Wheel Jerk

The most common cause of steering wheel jerk when braking is an imbalance between the front and rear brakes or wheels. This can be caused by a number of issues, including worn out brake pads or rotors, misaligned tires, or even a bent axle or suspension component. In some cases, this imbalance can lead to an uneven distribution of force on the wheels which causes them to jerk against each other as they try to move in different directions.

Another potential cause of steering wheel jerk is an issue with the power steering system. If there’s insufficient power assist from the power steering pump or if there are any leaks in the system, you may experience jerking as you turn the wheel while applying pressure on the brakes.

Finally, if your vehicle has ABS (anti-lock braking system), it could be malfunctioning due to a faulty ABS control unit or sensors. This will cause your brakes to lock up intermittently which leads to jerking of the steering wheel as well as an uncomfortable ride quality.

Diagnosing & Fixing Steering Wheel Jerk

Given all these potential causes for steering wheel jerk when braking, diagnosing and fixing this issue can be tricky business. The first step is to take your vehicle into a qualified mechanic who can inspect all these components and determine what might be causing this issue in your particular case.

Once they have identified what needs fixing, they will typically suggest replacing any worn out components such as brake pads or rotors and realigning your tires if necessary. If there are any issues with your suspension components or power steering system they will advise you accordingly as well so that these can be addressed too if necessary.

Finally, if ABS is causing your steering wheel jerk then they may suggest replacing the ABS control unit or sensors depending on what’s wrong with them specifically. Once all these repairs have been completed successfully then you should notice an improvement in how smoothly your car brakes without any more jerking of the steering wheel

FAQ & Answers

Q: What causes steering wheel jerks when braking?
A: Steering wheel jerks when braking can be caused by a variety of different factors, including poor road conditions, faulty brake pumps, unbalanced tires, and worn out suspension components.

Q: What are the symptoms of steering wheel jerks when braking?
A: The symptoms of steering wheel jerks when braking include uneven tire wear, unstable steering wheel movement, vibrations during braking, and sudden jolts in the steering wheel.

Q: How do you diagnose the problem of steering wheel jerks when braking?
A: Diagnosing the problem of steering wheel jerks when braking involves performing a visual inspection of the tires and suspension parts, inspecting for leaks in the brake system, and using a diagnostic tool on the vehicle’s computer system.

Q: How can you fix steering wheel jerks when braking?
A: You can fix steering wheel jerks when braking by checking tire balance and alignment, replacing worn out suspension components, installing a new brake pump, adjusting the road conditions.

Q: How can you prevent steering wheel jerks when braking?
A: You can prevent steering wheel jerks when braking by regularly maintaining tires and suspension parts, keeping an eye on any fluid leaks in the brake system, driving smoothly on poor road conditions, avoiding sudden stops and starts.

In conclusion, steering wheel jerks when braking can be an annoying problem for drivers. Although there are various causes for this issue, it is important to stay alert and take precautionary measures when driving. Moreover, it is also important to inspect the braking system of the car regularly and make sure that all components are functioning properly. If any problems are detected, they should be fixed immediately to ensure safe driving and prevent further damage to the vehicle.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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