Q: Brakes easily lock up on snow

asked by on May 17, 2016

I have to slowly ease into the brakes. If I don't, they start making a clunk noise and the wheel goes a little back and forth; plus the brake pedal vibrates. I've had the brakes checked - no problems. What do you think is causing the problem?

There are two possible causes that come to mind:

  1. The brakes have excessive runout and are warped
  2. A wheel bearing is failing

If the wheel bearing has failed, it can cause some serious problems if not dealt with. A qualified technician, like the ones at YourMechanic, should have little trouble diagnosing the source of the clunking noise you are hearing.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Power steering leaking fluid
The first step is to identify the leaks. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-is-leaking-inspection) Most of the time it's a faulty line, other times it's the pump that is leaking, and if the pump has been run low on fluid, the pump may need replacing...
Car won't turn over or start
You likely have an ignition switch problem, which is common with your vehicle. You could also have a starter relay problem, which could cause the same issue. The only way to verify the problem is to have an in-person inspection....
Transmission problems
The problems you are having may be due to a sticking throttle control, or possibly a transmission shifter control problem. These vehicles have an electronic throttle and if you try to push on the brakes and the throttle at the...
my coolant becomes empty after two days of filling it up
You have a leak. The only question is where. YourMechanic will pressurize the cooling system when COLD which should reveal the leak without too much trouble. A common leak would be through the water pump bearing weep hole, especially if...
Car suddenly not starting - 1997 Honda Civic
Hi there. It sounds like a failed starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement) or battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement). Have a battery test performed with a digital battery tester that provides the cold cranking amps and state of health. Check all fuses/relays (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuse-replacement) and replace as necessary....
Fuel rail pressure sensor has failed.
Without knowing the reason the vehicle will start with the sensor disconnected then it would be advisable to not drive the vehicle without getting it repaired. The fuel pressure sensor is used to control the fuel pressure to the motor...
Stuck in limp mode ECM Throwing P2118 code, throttle body actuator, does it absolutely NEED to be replaced? 2008 Scion xB
Hello - for your P2118 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p2118-obd-ii-trouble-code-throttle-actuator-control-motor-current-range-performance-by-spencer-clayton) problem - there is a separate fuse for the electronic throttle control (ETCS) - 10a I think - in the engine bay. Check that fuse first to see if the reverse jump killed it...
I need my timing belt replaced for my 2011 Chevy Aveo and I was wondering if it's also necessary to replace the water pump? Someon
The timing belt should be changed at 100,000 miles. If the water pump is driven by the timing belt, the pump absolutely should be changed when you change the timing belt. Indeed, aftermarket timing belt kits include the water pump,...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class
If If you’re looking for a vehicle that delivers top-of-the-line features, comfort, performance and safety, all while showing off the prestige of the driver, the 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class is your choice. Key Features With Active Body Control and a...
How to Buy a Good Quality Brake Wheel Cylinder
Drum Drum brakes, which are still in use today on the rear of many vehicles, operate on a hydraulic basis, using brake fluid to apply pressure to pistons in the wheel cylinder, which in turn presses the brake shoes against...
How to Buy a Good Quality Clutch Master Cylinder
The The master cylinder in a manual transmission system functions similarly to the brake master cylinder, and in fact, both systems use brake fluid to lubricate the interior components and provide the pressure necessary to operate the other elements of...