Why does my Range Rover shake while braking?

Why is my Range Rover vibrating? Worn brake pads or rotors, worn suspension or steering components, or contaminated brake fluid can cause a vibrating sensation while braking in a Range Rover.

I’ve been a proud owner of a Range Rover Sport for several years now, and I’ve never had any major issues with it – that is, until I started noticing a concerning shaking while braking. I wasn’t sure what was causing it, but I knew it needed to be addressed.

After some research and troubleshooting, I’ve determined the most likely causes and solutions for this problem.

In this article, I’ll be sharing my findings with you, so you can keep your Range Rover running smoothly!

What models are affected?

• Land Rover Defender
• Range Rover Discovery
• Range Rover Evoque
• Range Rover Sport
• Range Rover Velar
• Range Rover Vogue

Symptoms of when my Range Rover shakes when braking

The most obvious symptom of this issue is a shaking or vibrating sensation felt through the brake pedal while braking. This shaking can also be felt in the steering wheel or through the body of the vehicle. In some cases, you may also hear a loud grinding or scraping noise while braking.

Most likely causes of your Range Rover shaking

The most common causes of a shaking sensation while braking in a Range Rover is worn brake pads or rotors. Over time, the friction material on the brake pads can wear down, reducing their ability to stop the vehicle effectively. Similarly, the rotors can become worn or warped, causing the brake pads to vibrate against them.

In some cases, the shaking may be caused by a worn suspension or steering component. Worn bushings or ball joints can cause the wheels to move out of alignment, leading to a shaking sensation while braking.

Can it be fixed without a mechanic?

The good news is that, in most cases, the shaking caused by worn brake pads or rotors can be fixed without the need for a mechanic. With the right tools and replacement parts, you can replace the brake pads and rotors yourself and have your Range Rover running smoothly again.

How to fix worn brake pads and rotors

Simple steps on how to fix it

Begin by raising the vehicle and securely supporting it on jack stands.

Before you start working on your brake pads and rotors, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is safely raised and supported. Use a jack to lift the vehicle, then place jack stands at the designated points on the frame for added stability. Make sure the vehicle is level and securely supported before you begin any work.

Remove the wheels to access the brake calipers and rotors.

To access the brake calipers and rotors, you’ll need to remove the wheels from the vehicle. Use a lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts, then carefully remove the wheels. Make sure to keep the lug nuts in a safe place, as you’ll need them to reattach the wheels later.

Use the brake caliper tool to remove the caliper from the rotor.

Once the wheels are removed, you’ll be able to see the brake calipers. Use a brake caliper tool to compress the caliper pistons and remove the caliper from the rotor. Be careful not to damage the brake lines or other components while removing the caliper.

Remove the old brake pads and rotor

Remove the old pads and rotor, then inspect the caliper and caliper hardware for wear or damage. With the caliper removed, you can now remove the old brake pads and rotor. Inspect the old brake pads for wear and the rotor for warping or other damage. Also, check the caliper and caliper hardware for wear or damage. If you find any problems, replace the affected parts with new ones.

Install the new brake pads and rotor

Before installing the new brake pads and rotor, make sure to properly torque the caliper bolts and use the new brake caliper hardware kit if necessary. Now that the old brake pads and rotor are removed, you can install the new ones. Make sure to use new brake pads and rotor that are specifically designed for your Range Rover model. Before installing the new brake pads and rotor, check the torque of the caliper bolts and ensure they are tightened to the correct specification. If necessary, use the new brake caliper hardware kit.

Repeat the process for the other side of the vehicle

Once you’ve finished replacing the brake pads and rotor on one side of the vehicle, repeat the process on the other side. Make sure to double-check all parts and torque settings before moving on to the next step.

Inspect the suspension and steering components for wear or damage

While you have the wheels off, it’s a good idea to inspect the suspension and steering components for wear or damage. Check the bushings, ball joints, and other components for signs of wear or damage. If you find any problems, replace the affected parts with new ones.

Lower the vehicle and test drive to ensure proper braking performance

Once you’ve finished replacing the brake pads and rotor and inspecting the suspension and steering components, it’s time to lower the vehicle and test drive it. Make sure to properly torque the lug nuts and reattach the wheels. Perform a test drive, paying close attention to the braking performance and make sure there is no more shaking or vibration.

Potential other causes

Worn CV joints

Constant Velocity (CV) joints are located at the ends of the drive shaft and connect the drive shaft to the wheels of a vehicle. They allow the drive shaft to rotate at a consistent speed, even as the wheels move up and down over uneven terrain. Over time, CV joints can wear out, and can cause a vibration or shaking sensation while braking.

This is usually accompanied by a clicking or popping noise when turning. Worn CV joints should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the drive shaft and to restore proper driving performance.

Worn wheel bearings

The wheel bearing is a component that allows the wheel to rotate smoothly on the vehicle’s axle. Over time, wheel bearings can wear out, and it can cause a vibration or shaking sensation while braking.

In some cases, you might also hear a grinding or growling noise while braking or driving at high speeds. Worn wheel bearings should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the wheel and to restore proper driving performance.

Contaminated brake fluid

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps to transfer the force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture or other contaminants, which can cause a reduction in braking performance and can lead to a vibration or shaking sensation while braking.

In some cases, contaminated brake fluid can also cause damage to the brake calipers, brake lines, and other brake system components. It is important to have the brake fluid checked and replaced as necessary to ensure proper braking performance.

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