why does my steering wheel shake when braking in my Toyota RAV4

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves for protection.

2. Remove Wheel

• Loosen the lug nuts with a socket wrench.
• Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
• Fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

3. Inspect Brake Components

• Check the brake pads for thickness; replace if worn below the minimum specification (usually 3mm).
• Inspect the brake rotors for scoring, grooves, or warping. Measure rotor thickness with a caliper and replace if below the minimum thickness.
• Clean the brake caliper and ensure it is functioning properly.

4. Replace or Resurface Rotors (if needed)

• If rotors are warped, either replace them or have them resurfaced.
• To replace, remove the caliper bracket and slide off the old rotor.
• Install the new rotor and torque to manufacturer specifications (usually between 60-80 ft-lbs).

5. Reinstall Wheel

• Place the wheel back onto the hub.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts and lower the vehicle.
• Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification (typically between 75-85 ft-lbs) in a criss-cross pattern.

6. Test Drive

• Test the vehicle to ensure the shaking has been resolved.
• Monitor brake performance for any unusual noises or behaviors.