Brake/steering problem?
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 1
From: Lee's Summit MO
Brake/steering problem?
Guys,
I developed a problem this past weekend and am trying to figure out what it is.
On the highway my truck pulls to the left just a tad, and really hard when I apply the brakes.
I had new brakes put on last christmas and have driven about 8k, 75% in-town since then. I also had the truck aligned last spring.
Any ideas what causes this? Would ball joints or tie-rod ends cause any problem?
My truck has had fairly harsh wandering throughout the past year, the mechanic blames the tires, however I've had them over year and a half before brakes were installed without any problem at all.
The problem was there prior to alignment and after alignment during the early spring but disappeared during the summer.
Whats with this?
Several people have told me that the valve that sends fluid/psi to each brake on the front is either malfunctioning or is set incorrectly. Any ideas?
TIA
I developed a problem this past weekend and am trying to figure out what it is.
On the highway my truck pulls to the left just a tad, and really hard when I apply the brakes.
I had new brakes put on last christmas and have driven about 8k, 75% in-town since then. I also had the truck aligned last spring.
Any ideas what causes this? Would ball joints or tie-rod ends cause any problem?
My truck has had fairly harsh wandering throughout the past year, the mechanic blames the tires, however I've had them over year and a half before brakes were installed without any problem at all.
The problem was there prior to alignment and after alignment during the early spring but disappeared during the summer.
Whats with this?
Several people have told me that the valve that sends fluid/psi to each brake on the front is either malfunctioning or is set incorrectly. Any ideas?
TIA
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 4
From: PNW
Brake/steering problem?
I have had pulling problems during braking that were caused by worn front end parts. A thorough inspection is in order. Get the front end off the ground and push/pull on the tire with hands on opposite sides (i.e., with hands on top and bottom, push inward on the top while pulling outward on the bottom and then pull outward on the top while pushing inward on the bottom. Do the same with hands on the front and rear of the tire as well.). This will help locate any looseness in the front end that could cause pulling while braking.
You could also check for a frozen caliper (or wheel cylinder) by seeing if the temperature of the brakes are the same. I have used a carefully calibrated finger to do this, but watch out as brakes can get really hot, especially if something is dragging. Don't rule out the rear brakes, I have had problems with wheel cylinders freezing. If it's due to the tires, rotate them and see if the direction of the pull changes. Tires can go bad with time.
The fact that it went away during the summer is odd.
You could also check for a frozen caliper (or wheel cylinder) by seeing if the temperature of the brakes are the same. I have used a carefully calibrated finger to do this, but watch out as brakes can get really hot, especially if something is dragging. Don't rule out the rear brakes, I have had problems with wheel cylinders freezing. If it's due to the tires, rotate them and see if the direction of the pull changes. Tires can go bad with time.
The fact that it went away during the summer is odd.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Brake/steering problem?
All my brakesteer problems have come from the autoadjusters in the rear brakes. They often seize (especially on 4WDs that REALLY get used!
), leaving only one brake working on the rear. It always seemed to me that this caused worse brakesteer than a front problem.
), leaving only one brake working on the rear. It always seemed to me that this caused worse brakesteer than a front problem.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 1
From: Lee's Summit MO
Brake/steering problem?
Yep, it disappeared during the summer and hot months, in fact it was relatively perfect then.
I'm not really familiar with brake systems. I highly suspect the brake system, in particular the driver's side caliper. Especially since this problem started soon after the brake job was done. Moisture and/or cold temperatures seem to be a problem. Rotation of the tires doesn't help, same symptoms.
What all does the caliper have? Is any part replacable on it? Like I said above, brakes are not my specialty.
I'm not really familiar with brake systems. I highly suspect the brake system, in particular the driver's side caliper. Especially since this problem started soon after the brake job was done. Moisture and/or cold temperatures seem to be a problem. Rotation of the tires doesn't help, same symptoms.
What all does the caliper have? Is any part replacable on it? Like I said above, brakes are not my specialty.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Brake/steering problem?
best bang for the buck is to get rebuilt calipers. you ca pop the caliper piston out and replace the seal, but the bore will need honed.
they are relatively cheap (under $100). just a suggestion- replace both calipers, and rubber lines going to them. like i said previously, i have seen approx 4 or 5 cases where the rubber line is to blame.
eden
they are relatively cheap (under $100). just a suggestion- replace both calipers, and rubber lines going to them. like i said previously, i have seen approx 4 or 5 cases where the rubber line is to blame.
eden
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 1
From: Lee's Summit MO
Brake/steering problem?
Now these rebuilt calipers, do they come complete with the dust ring and pistons allready installed? Can I reuse the current pads?
How hard are the hoses to replace?
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Brake/steering problem?
the reman calipers come ready to install. yes you can use the old pads, as long as they arent worn crooked. the rubber lines are easy, soak the fittings with PB Blaster or another type of pen oil, use a flair wrench, so not to round off the fittings. replace the line and your good to go. if for some reason you run into problems drop me a line at edenroadmaster(No Email Addresses In Posts!) and i'll reply asap.
chuck
chuck
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
