Like any car, the GTO can experience issues that affect its performance and drivability. One common problem that some GTO owners have reported is a trembling sensation when releasing the brakes from a full stop.
In this article, we’ll explore these possible causes in more detail and provide some solutions to help you resolve the issue and get back to enjoying your GTO to its fullest.
Worn Brake Pads or Rotors
One possible cause of a trembling sensation when releasing the brakes is worn brake pads or rotors. Over time, the friction material on the brake pads wears down, and the rotors can become warped or damaged.
This can cause the brake system to grab and release unevenly, resulting in a trembling sensation.
If the issue is caused by worn brake pads or rotors, the solution is to replace these components. Here are the steps to do so:
- First, lift the car and remove the wheel on the affected side.
- Remove the caliper by removing the bolts that hold it in place.
- Take out the old brake pads and check the rotors for wear and damage. If the rotors are warped or damaged, they should be replaced as well.
- Install the new brake pads and reassemble the caliper.
- Repeat the process on the other side of the car.
- After both sides are done, press the brake pedal a few times to ensure that the new brake pads are seated properly.
Dirty or Contaminated Brake Fluid
Another possible cause of a trembling sensation when releasing the brakes is dirty or contaminated brake fluid. Brake fluid is a crucial component of the brake system, as it transmits the force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers.
If the brake fluid becomes contaminated with moisture or debris, it can cause the brake system to grab and release unevenly, resulting in a trembling sensation.
If the issue is caused by dirty or contaminated brake fluid, the solution is to flush and replace the brake fluid. Here are the steps to do so:
- First, locate the brake fluid reservoir and remove the old fluid using a turkey baster or a brake fluid siphon pump.
- Refill the reservoir with new, clean brake fluid.
- Go to the farthest wheel from the brake fluid reservoir and locate the bleeder valve on the brake caliper.
- Have a friend press and hold the brake pedal, then open the bleeder valve to release the old brake fluid and any air bubbles.
- Close the bleeder valve and have your friend release the brake pedal.
- Repeat this process on all four wheels, starting with the farthest one from the brake fluid reservoir.
- After bleeding the brakes, top off the brake fluid reservoir to the proper level.
Faulty Brake Calipers or Brake Lines
A third possible cause of a trembling sensation when releasing the brakes is faulty brake calipers or brake lines. The brake calipers are responsible for applying the brake pads to the rotors, and the brake lines transmit the brake fluid to the calipers.
If either of these components is faulty or damaged, it can cause the brake system to grab and release unevenly, resulting in a trembling sensation.
If the issue is caused by faulty brake calipers or brake lines, the solution is to replace these components. Here are the steps to do so:
- First, lift the car and remove the wheel on the affected side.
- Remove the brake caliper by removing the bolts that hold it in place.
- Check the brake lines for leaks or damage. If the brake lines are damaged, they should be replaced.
- If the brake caliper is faulty, remove it and install a new one.
- Reinstall the brake caliper and wheel.
- Repeat the process on the other side of the car.
- After both sides are done, press the brake pedal a few times to ensure that the new brake calipers and lines are functioning properly.
Malfunctioning Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
An ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) malfunction can cause a car to trembles when braking, which can be a concerning issue for drivers. The ABS system is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, which can cause skidding and loss of control.
When the ABS system malfunctions, it can cause the wheels to lock up, leading to the car trembling when braking.
There are several potential causes of an ABS malfunction. One common cause is a faulty wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor is responsible for detecting the speed of each wheel and relaying that information to the ABS control module.
If a wheel speed sensor is faulty, it can cause the ABS system to malfunction, leading to the car trembling when braking.
Another potential cause of an ABS malfunction is a malfunctioning ABS control module. The control module is responsible for receiving information from the wheel speed sensors and controlling the ABS system.
If the control module is faulty, it can cause the ABS system to malfunction and result in the car trembling when braking.
Lastly, a low brake fluid level can also cause the ABS system to malfunction. The ABS system relies on proper brake fluid pressure to function properly. If the brake fluid level is too low, it can cause the ABS system to malfunction and lead to the car trembling when braking.
Worn or Unbalanced Tires
Worn or unbalanced tires can also cause the car to trembles when releasing its brakes from a full stop. Tires that are worn unevenly or are out of balance can cause vibrations that are felt through the steering wheel and can cause the car to trembles when braking.
This is because the tires may not be able to grip the road surface as well as they should, which can cause the car to trembles when the brakes are released.
To fix this issue, it’s important to check the tires for wear and balance. Worn tires should be replaced with new ones, and unbalanced tires should be balanced to ensure that they are evenly distributed on the wheels. This will improve the grip of the tires on the road surface and reduce vibrations that can cause the car to trembles when braking.
