When you brake, your car’s braking system applies pressure to the brakes pedal in order to stop the car. The braking system includes the ABS (anti-lock braking system) – a device that detects when the vehicle is going too fast for the conditions and activates the brakes to reduce the amount of skidding.
However, sometimes your car jerks when you brake, and it can be frustrating because you don’t know why it’s happening. In this article, we’ll explore some possible causes of sudden vehicle jerking and how you can fix it!
Causes of Car Jerking
There are a few different reasons why your car may jerk when you brake.
The first and most common reason is that the brake pads are worn down to the metal. If you’re braking regularly, your pads will wear down until they no longer have any friction, which will cause your car to jerk when you apply the brakes.
Another common cause of car jerking is a faulty brake fluid line. If there’s a leak or a kink in the line, it will cause the fluid to move around erratically when you brake, which will again cause your car to jerk.
If you’re experiencing regular jerking when braking, it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a mechanic. There could be some simple repairs that can fix the issue and prevent it from happening again in the future.
How to Fix a Jerking Car
If your car is jerking when you brake, there are a few things you can check to see if they’re causing the problem. It could be a problem with the brakes themselves, the wheel alignment or even the suspension. Here are some common fixes for jerking cars:
Check the Brakes: First and foremost, make sure that your brakes are working properly. If they’re not, it may be due to a worn or faulty brake pad or rotor. You can also check for rust on the brake line hoses or calipers. If everything looks good, it’s likely that the issue is with the braking system itself.
Align the Wheels: A misaligned wheel can cause your car to jerk when you brake. To check this, you’ll need to have your car on a level surface and have someone hold one of the wheels in place while you loosen and tighten the bolt that holds it in place. Make sure that the wheel is rotated correctly; if not, it may need to be aligned.
Check for Suspension Issues: If you’re having trouble braking because of a jerking car, it may also be due to an issue with your suspension.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing car jerking when you brake, it’s likely a sign that your brakes are in need of replacement. Brakes work by slowing or stopping the movement of your vehicle, and if they’re not working properly, this can cause problems. If you think your brakes might be worn out, take them to a mechanic for inspection.