Car pulls to left while braking, when brakes are cold

[Caprice85]

I have an 85 Chevy Caprice which began pulling to the left a little
during braking, about 4 months ago. It hasn't gpotten any worse since
then. It only pulls during the first 2 or 3 stops, then brakes in a
straight line, until I don't use the brakes for about 10 minutes, then
it will pull again, but only for the first 2 or 3 brakings, then all is
well again until I am completely off the brakes for 10 minutes or
longer.

It's as though the cold brakes pull, but the warmed up brakes do not
pull.


All 4 pads are full, and only have about 2,000 miles on them. When I
put the new pads in, a year ago, I also replaced the front left rotor,
and repacked the front left wheel bearings. The car pulled to the
RIGHT immediately after that work, but cleared up after a while, by
itself, and was braking straight for a few months, then started this
pulling to the left. I did not turn the new rotor.

ANy ideas welcomed !

[Brent P]

Post by Caprice85
I have an 85 Chevy Caprice which began pulling to the left a little
during braking,
It's as though the cold brakes pull, but the warmed up brakes do not
pull.
ANy ideas welcomed !

Are the pins the calipers slide on lubed and the caliper able to slide
freely? (assuming sliding calipers) About the only thing that I can think
of off the top of my head that would change once the brakes 'warmed' up.
(the brake grease being thick when cold and the caliper sticking, then
freeing up as it thined when it got warmer)

[Lawrence Glickman]

Post by Brent P

Post by Caprice85
I have an 85 Chevy Caprice which began pulling to the left a little
during braking,
It's as though the cold brakes pull, but the warmed up brakes do not
pull.
ANy ideas welcomed !

Are the pins the calipers slide on lubed and the caliper able to slide
freely? (assuming sliding calipers) About the only thing that I can think
of off the top of my head that would change once the brakes 'warmed' up.
(the brake grease being thick when cold and the caliper sticking, then
freeing up as it thined when it got warmer)

That's exactly what I thought, but you said it.

IMO, the only way to know the slide pins are lubed and working
properly is to DIY.

Lg

[Marsh Monster]

=====
=====

Post by Caprice85
I have an 85 Chevy Caprice which began pulling to the left a little
during braking, about 4 months ago. It hasn't gpotten any worse since
then. It only pulls during the first 2 or 3 stops, then brakes in a
straight line, until I don't use the brakes for about 10 minutes, then
it will pull again, but only for the first 2 or 3 brakings, then all is
well again until I am completely off the brakes for 10 minutes or
longer.
It's as though the cold brakes pull, but the warmed up brakes do not
pull.
All 4 pads are full, and only have about 2,000 miles on them. When I
put the new pads in, a year ago, I also replaced the front left rotor,
and repacked the front left wheel bearings. The car pulled to the
RIGHT immediately after that work, but cleared up after a while, by
itself, and was braking straight for a few months, then started this
pulling to the left. I did not turn the new rotor.
ANy ideas welcomed !

=====
=====

Bleed the brakes and call me in the morning.



~please follow warning lable before take'n prescription~





~:~
MarshMonster
~sips his crownroyal....and suggests...if it wasn't broke BEFORE
you fixed it.....you broke it fix'n it~
~:~






















ps.














yeah yeah yeah.......






i know it's been awhile since the repair






do it yer way then







:)

[Caprice85]

Post by Marsh Monster
Bleed the brakes and call me in the morning.

I thought you were joking, maybe. But I bled the line going to the
passenger side front brake and it stopped pulling ! Must have been
partially clogged.

Thanks


btw I also tried the lubing of the slide pins, which some other folks
recommended (thanks for all the suggestions) but that didn't help.

[t***@mucks.net]

The equalizer bushings are in need of cleaning, lube, or worn out.

[Ray]

Post by Caprice85
I have an 85 Chevy Caprice which began pulling to the left a little
during braking, about 4 months ago. It hasn't gpotten any worse since
then. It only pulls during the first 2 or 3 stops, then brakes in a
straight line, until I don't use the brakes for about 10 minutes, then
it will pull again, but only for the first 2 or 3 brakings, then all is
well again until I am completely off the brakes for 10 minutes or
longer.
It's as though the cold brakes pull, but the warmed up brakes do not
pull.
All 4 pads are full, and only have about 2,000 miles on them. When I
put the new pads in, a year ago, I also replaced the front left rotor,
and repacked the front left wheel bearings. The car pulled to the
RIGHT immediately after that work, but cleared up after a while, by
itself, and was braking straight for a few months, then started this
pulling to the left. I did not turn the new rotor.
ANy ideas welcomed !

possible scenarios:
1-left brake is doing extra work (grabbing)
2-right side brake is doing less work (sticking caliper)
3-alignment problem or tire problem

If it was my car, I'd jack up the front end, remove the tires, spin the
rotors by hand and have a helper apply the brakes. Then I'd pull both
calipers, inspect them, maybe even repack both front wheel bearings.
Then reinstall the brakes being sure to lube the slide pins, swap the
tires l-r and road test. Also inspect the front end while you have the
tires off - maybe something has gotten bent or loose?

I think one of your calipers is sticking - either "off" or "on."

Ray

[Mark]

Post by Ray
If it was my car, I'd jack up the front end, remove the tires, spin the
rotors by hand and have a helper apply the brakes. Then I'd pull both
calipers, inspect them, maybe even repack both front wheel bearings.
Then reinstall the brakes being sure to lube the slide pins, swap the
tires l-r and road test. Also inspect the front end while you have the
tires off - maybe something has gotten bent or loose?
I think one of your calipers is sticking - either "off" or "on."
Ray

try this...

go for a ride when the car is cold...
apply the brakes a few times
then stop and feel the temperature of the left and right rotors with
your hand
caution they may be very hot
this will tell you if the left brake is working too hard or the right
brake is working too little

Mark

[Brent P]

Post by Mark
go for a ride when the car is cold...
apply the brakes a few times
then stop and feel the temperature of the left and right rotors with
your hand
caution they may be very hot
this will tell you if the left brake is working too hard or the right
brake is working too little

It's a great way to get a burn... trust me... ;)

[Jacques Clouseau]

Post by Mark

Post by Ray
If it was my car, I'd jack up the front end, remove the tires, spin the
rotors by hand and have a helper apply the brakes. Then I'd pull both
calipers, inspect them, maybe even repack both front wheel bearings.
Then reinstall the brakes being sure to lube the slide pins, swap the
tires l-r and road test. Also inspect the front end while you have the
tires off - maybe something has gotten bent or loose?
I think one of your calipers is sticking - either "off" or "on."
Ray

try this...
go for a ride when the car is cold...
apply the brakes a few times
then stop and feel the temperature of the left and right rotors with
your hand
caution they may be very hot
this will tell you if the left brake is working too hard or the right
brake is working too little
Mark

Then stick your head inside the exhaust manifold and sing a few bars of
"Danny Boy." Let us know whether you hear an echo . . .

Sorry.