Intermittent brake pull
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Loveland, CO.
Intermittent brake pull
I have an intermittent brake pull issue on my 1990 Bronc. Most parts in the brake system are new or relatively new. It has new discs, calipers, pads and hardware on the front; and new drums, cylinders, brake shoes and hardware on the rear. The master cylinder has under 10k on it and the ABS valve about 40K. The system was flushed and filled with Dot 4 synthetic fluid. The truck also has new tires, Michelin 32 X 11.50 15. Seven new shocks all around (dual on front as well as steering stabilizer). The front end has been inspected and is tight. The truck is totally stock, ie. not lifted or anything.
It stops great but I get a pull sometimes but not every time. Usually when it pulls it will pull to the driver's side but sometimes it pulls to the passenger side. Much of the time it stops straight, but it should stop straight every time. Any idea what is going on here?
Thanks!
It stops great but I get a pull sometimes but not every time. Usually when it pulls it will pull to the driver's side but sometimes it pulls to the passenger side. Much of the time it stops straight, but it should stop straight every time. Any idea what is going on here?
Thanks!
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Loveland, CO.
No I did not replace those. But I don't recall it pulling before I did all the work. Still a possibility I guess?
It hasn't had many miles since I did all the work, maybe around 100. Perhaps everything still has to break in?
It hasn't had many miles since I did all the work, maybe around 100. Perhaps everything still has to break in?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
If it pulls to the left, its a hook. If it pulls to the right, its a slice. If it goes right down the middle its a miracle!
Seriously though... the rubber hoses could be dying and occasionally one of them is expanding a bit more than the other. But if things are that bad there, I'd think you would have burst one by now. I could be wrong.
What I do have experience with is rust inside the steel lines that moves back and forth with each pedal move and intermittently the particles clog the line causing the kind of issues you described. Had a '65 Cadi do this in the rear main line and when the clog freed itself it went surging down through the driver's rear wheel cylinder destroying the seals and blowing fluid all over the inside of the drum.
Seriously though... the rubber hoses could be dying and occasionally one of them is expanding a bit more than the other. But if things are that bad there, I'd think you would have burst one by now. I could be wrong.
What I do have experience with is rust inside the steel lines that moves back and forth with each pedal move and intermittently the particles clog the line causing the kind of issues you described. Had a '65 Cadi do this in the rear main line and when the clog freed itself it went surging down through the driver's rear wheel cylinder destroying the seals and blowing fluid all over the inside of the drum.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 725
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From: Upstate New York
I'd bleed each side again, and make sure you get a solid stream coming out of the bleeder each time. If both sides are getting solid fluid, then it's gotta be a binding slider or piston or something. Maybe there's a loose fit and it's occasionally cocking sideways, causing a bind?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Loveland, CO.
As for my brakes, it seems to be a slight pull and always to the left (hooks...?). It doesn't pull to the right. Not that this makes a difference but it might make t-shooting easier. But lately a big part of me just wants to forget the whole thing, it only pulls when I try to look for it, under normal driving I don't notice it. Both me and the Bronc are getting older and a bit more tired! This year my Bronc is 20 years old, it was 10 when I joined this forum. I'll deal with this when the weather warms up, I don't feel like laying underneath trucks in the cold winter getting splooged with brake fluid!
I'll probably install 2 new rubber hoses and bleed it again when the weather warms up.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Upstate New York
I went once to the driving range and hit two 250 yarders swinging the club like a bat. The crazy sound the ***** made when they cut to the left was awesome,(when I actually connected) but those never went far. I called it putting some English on the ball, I don't know. Hooking, as I recall, was something altogether different. heh
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Postmaster
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From: Loveland, CO.
That's what she said!
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