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Vibration during braking in my 2020 RDX Advance

0

Paul Z. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:57 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Acura RDX Advance

Hi all,

I've been experiencing a noticeable vibration through the steering wheel and brake pedal whenever I apply the brakes in my 2020 Acura RDX Advance. It's particularly bad at highway speeds, but I can feel it even when slowing down from city speeds.

The car has about 45,000 miles on it. I haven't had the brakes serviced recently, and I'm wondering if it's just time for new rotors and pads, or if it could be something more serious.

There are no warning lights on the dash, like ABS or VSA. The pedal doesn't feel spongy, just the strong vibration. Any thoughts on what might be causing this?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 4:57 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

A vibration during braking, often felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal, is a classic symptom of a few common brake system issues. For your 2020 Acura RDX Advance with 45,000 miles, this is a good time to address brake maintenance.

Here are the most likely causes:

  1. Warped Brake Rotors: This is the most frequent cause. Overheating from heavy braking can cause the rotor's surface to become uneven, leading to a pulsating feel as the brake pads contact the irregular surface. While 'warped' is the common term, it's more accurately described as uneven thickness variation (runout).
  2. Seized Brake Caliper: If a caliper piston or slide pin seizes, it can cause the brake pad to drag unevenly on the rotor, leading to excessive heat, premature wear, and vibration. You might also notice a burning smell or the vehicle pulling to one side.
  3. Uneven Brake Pad Wear: If pads are not wearing evenly, or if they've been contaminated with oil or grease, they can cause inconsistent friction and vibration.
  4. Suspension Components: Less commonly, worn wheel bearings or loose suspension components (like ball joints or tie rod ends) can amplify brake vibrations, but usually, they'd present other symptoms too.

When to see a shop:

Brake issues are critical for safety. You should have your RDX inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. They will check the runout of your rotors, inspect the calipers for proper function, and assess the condition of your pads and other brake components. Addressing this promptly will prevent further damage to your braking system and ensure your vehicle's stopping power remains optimal. Since you have no warning lights, it's likely a mechanical wear issue rather than an electronic fault, so OBD-II scanning isn't typically needed unless an ABS or VSA light illuminates.

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