Brake judder
Steering wheel shake or pulsing pedal when braking. Often not ‘warped discs’ — fix the real cause.
MED RISK
Common symptoms
- Steering shake under braking
- Pulsing brake pedal
- Vibration at motorway braking
- Worse after hard stops
Cost expectations
DIY: £80–£250. Garage: £180–£450.
Note: prices vary by car and region. Use this as a planning range.
Most likely causes (ranked)
- Disc thickness variation — Pad deposits, uneven torque, heat spots.
- Sticking caliper/slider pins — Uneven pad contact.
- Hub corrosion/runout — Disc doesn’t sit true.
- Worn suspension bush — Amplifies braking vibration.
- Wheel balance/tyres — Can mimic brake judder.
Quick checks (fast, low-cost)
- Check slider pins move freely; clean/lube if needed.
- Inspect disc faces for pad deposits/blue spots.
- Clean hub face before fitting discs; torque wheels properly.
- Measure disc runout (dial indicator) if persistent.
- Check suspension arms/bushes for play.
Recommended tools
These tools make diagnosis faster and stop you buying random parts.
Related fixes
If your symptoms don’t match perfectly, check these next.
What to do next
- Fix caliper issues before replacing discs again.
- Proper torque and clean hubs prevent repeat judder.
- If repeated, measure runout and hub condition.
AutoSolveHub helps you narrow possibilities. Always confirm critical repairs with proper testing and safe procedures.