Thread: Brakes pulling to right!

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Hey guys, I need some info. I have a 77 Corvette that has a fairly new brake system on it. I have replaced everything at one time or another! My question is, what is wrong when I push firmly on the brake pedal the car pulls really hard to the right and then straightens out quickly. Is it the right caliper sticking or the left is just wore out. I don't want to replace both as they're very expensive. Thanks for the input.....CR

A couple of questions:
1) You say it is a fairly new brake system - Does that include new brake lines, calipers/pistons, etc?
2) Anything like ABS in the brake system? I suspect not, but thought I'd ask.
3) Is the pad wear consistant between right and left?
4) Does it pull to the right with "light" braking at all?


This will help drive out a possible problem/resolution.

Don't rule out the other side. Sometimes a brake "hangs up" on application, causing a pull to the other side.
Loose wheel bearing, slack in a suspension bushing, contaminated pads, all can cause your symptoms. Clean everything up, reassemble, and check everything.

Are you using GM rubber brake lines from the hard lines to the calipers? When these get old they get weakened and when you hit the brakes they will expand initially and then be OK. This will result in the symptom you cite.

Kitz

Over the past few years I have replaced the calipers,rotors,pads, and mastercylinder. I haven't replaced the stock rubber lines. If I push on the brakes easily they don't have any pulling to the right, only when I push firmly. I haven't had to do a panic stop yet! Thanks for the input. It gives me a place to start.....CR

I had the same issues on a '95 suburban. new hoses solved the problem.

kitz

Thanks guys, I hate to do the trial and error method! too costly. Everyone seems to be of the same consensus about the hoses, so I'll replace them probably next week when I get some time. I appreciate the help...CR

Did the problem just start out of the blue or did you notice it soon after some work had been done, or the car sat for a while, or some other clue? The brake flexible hoses are suspect, but air in the system, a dented metal line, or other things previously mentioned could also cause the pull. Rusty or contaminated pads or rotors can do it. After looking carefully, my first expense would be the front flex hoses, the right in particular.

Once the flexible lines are replaced and as you are bleeding your brakes, check the fluid that you are getting out. Make sure it is as clear as the fluid that you put into the master cyl. If not, keep bleeding. I've seen crud come out curing the bleeding that caused a brake to lock up pretty badly. Once the brake bleeding was done, the problem went away.