my Honda CR-V has a weird vibration when I brake what should I check

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
• Use wheel chocks to secure the wheels.
• Disconnect the battery for safety.

2. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors

• Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, lug wrench, torque wrench, brake rotor removal tool.
• Sub-steps:
  1. Loosen the lug nuts of the front wheels slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
  2. Raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
  3. Remove the front wheels to access the brake assembly.
  4. Inspect the rotors for signs of warping; use a dial indicator if necessary.
  5. If warped, remove the brake calipers (remove bolts and hang them with wire) and the rotor.
  6. Install new rotors, ensuring they are clean and free of any oil or grease.
  7. Reinstall the brake calipers and torque bolts to manufacturer specifications (usually around 25-35 ft-lbs).

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Tools Required: Brake pad spreader tool, brake cleaner, torque wrench.
• Sub-steps:
  1. Remove old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
  2. Inspect the slides and shim for wear; replace if necessary.
  3. Apply brake cleaner to remove dust and debris from the caliper bracket.
  4. Install new brake pads, ensuring proper orientation.
  5. Use a brake pad spreader tool to reset the caliper piston if necessary.
  6. Reinstall the caliper and torque bolts to manufacturer specifications.

4. Inspect Suspension Components

• Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, pry bar, torque wrench.
• Sub-steps:
  1. With the vehicle still raised, visually inspect the control arms, ball joints, and tie rods for any signs of wear or damage.
  2. Use a pry bar to check for play in the ball joints and bushings.
  3. Replace any worn or damaged components as required.

5. Check Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance

• Tools Required: Alignment machine (for professional use).
• Sub-steps:
  1. After reassembling the brakes and suspension, have the vehicle’s wheel alignment checked.
  2. Ensure tires are properly balanced to eliminate vibration during braking.