2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Right front brake pull

[RCapehart]

I have tried everything I can think of so I need some ideas. Here is my problem and what I have done: Truck has the EGR front package on it. Did this 3yrs ago. Truck was fine till about 5/05. It started pulling to the right (just when brakes are applied - runs straight otherwise). I called EGR and they sent new calipers (left and right) this fixed the problem. Also put stainless wrapped brake lines on front and rear. About 3 weeks ago it started pulling to the right again. Caliper pins have been lubed and are free. EGR sent a right caliper. Still pulls. I changed the pads around (left on right - right on left) still pulls right. Pads and rotors are 3yrs old but apear fine. I bought a pressure kit, both sides have 1100 lbs pressure. Rear brakes checked and adjusted. Still pulls. Front end was checked, ball joints, control arms, everything, no problems found, Still pulls. Track bar and steering box was replaced about 2yrs ago. I had all my work checked by a local shop to make sure I did not miss anything. It still pulls to right only when brakes are applied.



I have a summer and winter set of tires. Sine this started I have put the winter set on and it did not change anything.



What should I do next?



Ron

 

[Nate]

Hmm??



My truck was pulling to the right, and it was because I had put the rear pads on wrong. There are thinks and thin pads, and 2 thins got put on 1 side, 2 thicks on the other. Whoops!

 

[supeerman4422]

i had the same problem, i recently put a new set of pads in so i figured it couldnt have been them... well i was wrong, i removed the pads and they were heat cracked and missing chunks. . it couldnt hurt to check them again, after i replaced my pads i havent had the problem since



-Tom

 

[RCapehart]

i had the same problem, i recently put a new set of pads in so i figured it couldnt have been them... well i was wrong, i removed the pads and they were heat cracked and missing chunks. . it couldnt hurt to check them again, after i replaced my pads i havent had the problem since



-Tom

My pads are not cracked and look good. They are about 25% worn. I put the left on the right and the right on the left to see it they are the problem. Still pulls to the right Do you think they still could be the problem?



Ron

 

[supeerman4422]

it could be, mine still had plenty of life left on them when i got them replaced, i brought the pads back to the napa dealer where i bought them and they said they were defective

 

[BigEasy]

if the truck is pulling to the right, they probably should've sent you a LEFT side caliper... it's the one that isn't braking as much.

 

[RCapehart]

if the truck is pulling to the right, they probably should've sent you a LEFT side caliper... it's the one that isn't braking as much.

I have been thinking about that. I think they were thinking that the right one was sticking. I have been re-tracing my steps and I recall it taking several pumps to get the same pressure on the left as the right had. At the time when I saw the 1100 lbs I ruled it out. Now I am wondering if that side is slower applying that the right, causing the pull.



Also I am thinking about trying to locate a laser thermometer. My thought is if I have a brake problem I should notice heat build up on one of the sides. If it is a front end part wore an causing the pull they should stay the same temperature. Is the reasonable?



Thanks for the replies so far. I have talked to 2 shops about this and they are at a loss as to where to turn and at $60. 00 an hour I can't turn them loose on it!

Ron

 

[clinebarger]

you might have a restricted brake hose. if its pulling right it would be the left hose

 

[TowPro]

I know this might sound off the wall, but it has worked for me in the past. Take the truck out and beat the Heck out of the brakes. I mean get going 55 and stop as quick as you can several times. It always seems to stop my brake pull for a couple weeks.



I actually learned this trick hear many years ago.



NOTE: Only do this after you are sure your brake pads are not metal on metal.

 

[RCapehart]

you might have a restricted brake hose. if its pulling right it would be the left hose

I have been thinking about that also. The only problem is they are all new. New parts can fail too so I guess I need to go back through it again.

 

[scotmartin]

I had a bad pull to the left. Turned out to be the right front rubber brake hose. It had a buldge.



Scot

 

[RCapehart]

I got it fixed! I checked and re-checked everything. I bought a non-contact laser thermometer and started checking rotor temperatures. I had about 70 deg on the left and about 170 on the right. The left was way low and the right to hot. EGR sent me a left rotor and that fixed it.



The thermometer is a good tool to have. I can think of all kind of uses for it. For brakes you can tell real quick if you have one side hot or not and determine if it is a front end problem simulating a brake problem or if it is actually the brakes causing it.



Ron

 

[dtygart]

Congratulations, Ron... I also have a right side problem, now I have some things to look at thanks to you and the other guys. BTW; I notice in your signature that you have not dealt with the KDP yet... suggest you research that thread and get somebody out your way to give you a hand with it.

david