* Warped Brake Rotors: This is the most frequent cause. Overheating (e.g., hard braking, prolonged downhill braking) can warp the rotors, causing vibrations that you feel through the brake pedal and steering wheel when braking. This is often accompanied by a pulsating brake pedal.
* Worn Brake Pads: Severely worn brake pads can lead to uneven braking pressure and vibrations.
* Uneven Brake Pad Wear: Even if the pads aren't completely worn, uneven wear on one or more pads can cause shaking.
* Bad Wheel Bearings: Worn wheel bearings can create play in the wheel, leading to vibrations that are amplified when braking. You might also notice other noises or feel play in the wheel when you jack it up and try to move it.
* Bent Wheel: A bent wheel will cause shaking, not just during braking but also at higher speeds.
* Loose Wheel Lug Nuts: Improperly tightened lug nuts can allow the wheel to move slightly, contributing to shaking during braking.
* Suspension Problems: While less likely to be the *sole* cause of braking shake, worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or other suspension components can contribute to vibrations that become more noticeable under braking load.
* Brake Caliper Issues: A seized or sticking brake caliper can cause uneven braking force and vibration.
What to do:
1. Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting your brake pads and rotors for wear and tear. Look for scoring, grooves, or uneven wear on the rotors. Check your wheels for bends. Tighten your lug nuts if necessary (to the manufacturer's specified torque).
2. Professional Inspection: If you're not comfortable inspecting the brakes yourself, take your S-10 to a qualified mechanic. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose the problem accurately and safely. They'll likely perform a brake inspection, checking for rotor warp, pad wear, caliper function, and wheel bearing condition.
Don't ignore braking problems. They can become progressively worse and create dangerous driving conditions. Addressing the issue promptly is crucial for your safety and the safety of others.
