Brakes pulling to right

[SonicRiot]

I have changed:
-ball joints/LCA
-struts
-rotors (10.5)
-calipers (96 upgrade)
-pads (ceramic)
-alignment
-tires

But the car STILL pulls to the right under hard braking down from highway speeds! The car has done this since I have bought it and it is driving me nuts and is sometimes scarey. It did this before I did my brake upgrade, before I changed the pads, etc. I cannot figure this out!

The problem: when I brake hard from highway speeds, the car will yank hard to the right. If I lift up promptly and correct with steering, I can pull back. If I brake hard and keep my foot depressed on the brake, the car with yank to the right and slowly straighten out in a couple of seconds. The car dives hard, too.

So? Bad subframe bushings? Bias problem? Where is the front bias valve and does it affect left-right bias as well? Could it be clogged?

Thanks for the input.

 

[AutoSHO]

Try bleeding the brakes very thoroughly.

Have you checked the status of the rear brakes? If one of the calipers is seized you will have a pronounced pull to the opposite side.

<small>[ March 02, 2004, 12:40 AM: Message edited by: AutoSHO ]</small>

 

[v-tec killer]

Could also be a mastercyl. problem.

 

[projectSHO89]

AutoSHO:
Try bleeding the brakes very thoroughly.

Have you checked the status of the rear brakes? If one of the calipers is seized you will have a pronounced pull to the opposite side.

Bingo!

Check your rears.

Steve

 

[SonicRiot]

I just bled them...twice in two weeks. The rears need new pads, but they do not seem to be seized or uneven. The pads are worn, but not gone. Is it possible to replace the rears with ceramic pads as well? Do I need new rotors for this (no wear in current rotors)? Also, would bad SFB cause this problem?

Thanks

 

[AutoSHO]

Bad or loose SFBs could cause this, yes.

 

[SonicRiot]

What about a pinch or blockage in one of the brake lines acting as a check point for the fluid? Would this make the car **** to the "good" side and then even out when the fluid finally pushes the piston? How can I test for internal blockage or a pinch?

Thanks.

 

[projectSHO89]

SonicRiot:
What about a pinch or blockage in one of the brake lines acting as a check point for the fluid? Would this make the car **** to the "good" side and then even out when the fluid finally pushes the piston? How can I test for internal blockage or a pinch?

Thanks.

Yes. This is possible.

To check for a swollen shut line, pump up the brakes several times, release the pedal, then open a bleeder screw. If fluid squirts out under pressure, the line for that caliper is probaly swollen shut. This is very common for the rear brake lines.

Steve

 

[SonicRiot]

With the car off and the pedal pumped to full pressure, fluid should NOT squirt out of a bleeder valve with clear line??

I'll try this on thursday if you confirm this. Thanks.

 

[SonicRiot]

Oh, BTW: if I brake hard from 70MPH down and hold the pedal to 40MPH, ther car will pull right for a second and then straigten out. If I brake hard under 60MPH to a stop, the car will continue to pull to the right if I do not correct it with steering to the left.

I'm getting frustrated! And getting new pads in the rear, too. Anyone know if I can use ceramic on the stock calipers and rotors in the rear?

 

[projectSHO89]

Don't ignore the advice already given.

Go check those things FIRST and find the source of your problem.

Steve