Brakes pull to right

travicaster · February 25, 2002

Hi all!

I have a 1999 Suburban LT 5.7 2wd. I replaced the front brake pads (bendix from advanced) and turned the rotors 4 weeks ago. Four weeks of blissful stoppage. Saturday when pulling my boat home from the lake I noticed it pulled hard to the right when braking. When I backed into the water to get it out I stood on my parking brake real hard (I know this is the rear shoes but it might be relavent) and it seemed to stop and then go a bit more.

Any suggestions on what to check? I have bled them front a couple of times (although I never took the lines off). I have tighented the calipers.

What next?

Thanks! Glad I found this place.

Shaners · February 25, 2002

Did you replace or clean and lube the sliders on the calipers? It sounds like you may have one sticking a little bit.

Your E-brake may just be out of adjustment.

travicaster · February 25, 2002

I am assuming by slider you mean the caliper bolts? Yes I did lube them I think . I am going to pull them off tonight if it doesn't rain. That silly suburban wont quite fit in my garage.

Thanks

WEFs99 · February 25, 2002

It is probably a problem with the left caliper or hose.

Import Hater · February 26, 2002

A radial tire can pull under braking too. Probably not the case here, but don't rule it out if you get stumped.

Rob

travicaster · February 26, 2002

Last night I pulled my wheels off and checked the pads/rotors. Everything seemed ok. I lubed the pins well, spray cleaned around the pistons, and put it alll back together. ON my way in to work this morning I noticed it still pulls to the right. My next move is to replace the calipers I guess. I did not clean them at all when I replaced my pads last month. I bet since the piston had more area exposed that I got some trash in the caliper and it just took a month to hurt me. ????

I can get the parts for under $30 exchange and do it myself. I have to work in my driveway and it is pretty cold right now so I thought I'd call and check on subbing it out. The guy told me to replace the calipers it would be $183 total. :-)

I guess I will live with it until I get a chance to fix it. Only thing is I have an 800 mile round trip this weekend. Mostly interstate so I wont need brakes .

Thanks for the Help. God Bless,

MyZ71 offroad · February 26, 2002

If I was you, I would find a way to get that caliper changed! Cold outside or not, your life is not worth losing over a stupid brake caliper! You never know when your gonna have to stop NOW :0

If you can't find the time, don't go on the trip, or have the shop fix it BEFORE the trip!

Just watching your back man. Life is precious, handle with care

Good Luck,

Brian

WEFs99 · February 26, 2002

Myz71 is absolutely correct! Fix it now. If it pulls to the right only when the brakes are applied, replace the left caliper. If it pulls all the time the right caliper is binding and this can cause more grief than you want. A dragging caliper will boil the brake fluid out and then melt anything near it like grease seals, cv boots etc.

Import Hater · February 27, 2002

Try cross rotating the tires and see if it pulls to the other way. At least do it to rule it out.

Rob

travicaster · March 5, 2002

I never went on my trip. I still haven't put new calipers on but have developed a new problem. My wife just called and said it is now pulling to the LEFT! And harder than it was ever pulling to the right. And pulling left without braking.

I never got a chance to cross the front tires but this seems mute now. I am supposed to meet her at lunch.

Any ideas? Looks like I may be busy tonight.

Thanks and Godbless,

MemphisDoug · March 5, 2002

It sounds to me like you have a sticking left caliper. When it was pulling to the right, the piston was stuck in not allowing the caliper to put on the left brake. Now, it sounds like the piston came out but won't retract causing the truck to pull left since the left brake is always on. Replace the left caliper. :exclaim: