2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission hit brakes, truck pulls to right

[VolsFan]

Just noticed this the other week, when I hit my brakes, the steering wheel will jerk to the right pretty hard and I have to really hold on to it to keep it in control. Not too bad as of now, I can deal with it, but dont want it to get worse. I checked out the calipers, rotors and brakes pads and they seem fine, I was thinking vacuum pump or something, hopefully I can catch it and get it rebuilt before it gets too bad. Any ideas of what this is would be appreciated.

 

[Dave M]

I have read about this before being caused by collapsed brake lines in the front. Usually its internal and can't be detected from outside. Replace both flexible lines at each wheel.



I have heard problems with the brake hose where the factory clamp on the brake hose bolts to the frame. Apperently, it will rust inside the clamp and squeeze the hose tight or the hose just collapses somewhere in the flexible hose from age.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Brake check

How did you check out your calipers?

Are the caliper bolts/pins well lubed?



I have found the best way to check the front calipers is to jack up the front and give the tires a spin.

Check out this you tube vid.



YouTube - Dodge caliper test



You should also check the rear brakes.

The rears get "grabby" when brake fluid or rear end oil get on them.



See if they grab under both heavy and light braking.



Could also be a bad barke hose...



Check out the pics in the old readers rig section Under my screen name.

More good tips there.

SFB

 

[Dave M]

Try jacking up front of truck and hitting brakes and then go to right wheel and see it it is stiff to spin the tire. If it is the brakes are stuck on that side. Also check for the flex hose for binding at the clamp.



When the wheel is stiff turning, loosen the bleeder screw and see if the wheel frees up. If it does, you have a collapsed brake line.

 

[FLynes]

... Are the caliper bolts/pins well lubed?... SFB

+1... The slides on the calipers need to be periodically lubed; the truck will exhibit the symptoms you are describing, if they aren't. This was the problem with my '97. The first dealership I took it to soaked me for new rotors and pads twice, before I took it to another dealer, and the service tech told me that the slides were the culprit.



Hope that helps.

 

[SSolderitch]

If it is not the hose or the mounting then to could be the piston sticking in the caliper? Pull to the right indicated a failure on the left front?

 

[FLynes]

I supposed it could be, but I would try the least expensive and easiest fix first, which would be to lube the caliper slides. If that doesn't work, I would then move on to the hose and then the caliper.

 

[JacobsD]

I've run into this at work and have solved it by opening up the steel holder piece that holds the brake hose. Rust will build inside that steel piece and crimp off the line. Usually a screwdriver or small prybar can open it up a little bit.

 

[bigdaddydieseldan]

I just had the same exact experience just about a month ago and my problem was that my brake caliper was worn out needed to be replaced #@$%!#@$%!#@$%!#@$%!

 

[VolsFan]

Awesome,thanks for the suggestions. I'm gonna try to jump on it tomorrow. I lubed the caliper pins and such, runs fine, but only drove it a few miles. I will try to check out the brake hose before I go to Allentown for the weekend. The calipers dont seem to be sticking, the wheels will slide freely when jacked up, so hopefully it is just the hose, I would have never guessed it.

 

[WilliamJones]

I would also look for a contaminated lining on one side. Sometimes a bad grease seal or wheel seal will leak on the lining and cause the jerk or abnormal pull to one side. I had the problem in the past when a grease seal blew and got grease on the disc. Front brake pull condition could result from:

² Contaminated lining in one caliper

² Seized caliper piston

² Binding caliper

² Loose caliper

² Damaged anti-rattle clips

² Improper brake shoes

² Damaged rotor

A worn, damaged wheel bearing or suspension

component are further causes of pull.

 

[FLynes]

Depending on how long you've been driving it with the truck pulling, you may need to resurface the rotors and put on new pads... . when the good dealership I finally took it to found the problem, they had to resurface the new rotors that the bad dealership had soaked me on twice, and they put on new pads.

 

[PRattenbury]

Just step on the left side of the brake pedal.