- Warped brake rotors: While you mentioned that you think it's not the rotors, warped brake rotors are a common cause of shaking when braking. Warping can occur due to excessive heat buildup or uneven wear.
- Worn brake pads: If your brake pads are worn down, they can cause the brake rotors to vibrate.
- Sticking brake calipers: If your brake calipers are sticking, they can prevent the brake pads from fully retracting, which can also cause shaking when braking.
- Worn ball joints: Worn ball joints can cause the steering wheel to shake when braking.
- Worn tie rods: Worn tie rods can also cause the steering wheel to shake when braking.
- Uneven tire wear: Uneven tire wear can cause the vehicle to shake when braking.
- Loose wheel lug nuts: Loose wheel lug nuts can cause the wheel to wobble, which can also cause the steering wheel to shake when braking.
Inspect the brake system:
Make sure the brake components, including rotors, pads, and calipers, are in good condition. If you're still experiencing shaking when braking, you can have a mechanic take a closer look at the components and check if they need to be repaired or replaced.