95 D21 pulls to left in general, increases under braking...

Vertigo1 · Mar 19th, 2006, 01:18 AM

So, in the last month my 95 D21 V6 4x4 has begun to pull to the left a bit. After having it off the road for the last week to do the timing belt in my spare time, I got back in it tonight, and the pull seems more pronounced, most likely Im just not used to it. That being said, when the brakes are applied, the pull to the left increases, not a huge amount, but enough to notice. Besides the obvious problem of the alignment, anyone have any ideas? Dragging brake on left side? Tire pressures are all ok. Tires are worn evenly, and all match.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks

jerryp58 · Mar 19th, 2006, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertigo1

So, in the last month my 95 D21 V6 4x4 has begun to pull to the left a bit. After having it off the road for the last week to do the timing belt in my spare time, I got back in it tonight, and the pull seems more pronounced, most likely Im just not used to it. That being said, when the brakes are applied, the pull to the left increases, not a huge amount, but enough to notice. Besides the obvious problem of the alignment, anyone have any ideas? Dragging brake on left side? Tire pressures are all ok. Tires are worn evenly, and all match.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks

Leaking brake fluid from the right front caliper?

Vertigo1 · Mar 19th, 2006, 11:09 AM

Nope, Fluid level is fine, hasnt changed at all, no leaks anywhere. Good thought though....

Dave

abmobil · Mar 19th, 2006, 01:39 PM

More than likely you need a new drivers side caliper.
Its sticking and not releasing properly which is causing it to drag.
Pull both front tires and a sign of a sticking caliper will be unevenly wearing pads on the drivers side and they should be more worn than the passenger side.

Will · Mar 19th, 2006, 01:45 PM

I believe abmobil is on the right track. I just had a similar problem with the opposit side. Caliper was malfunctioning. Changed it and everything is ok.

Vertigo1 · Mar 19th, 2006, 06:10 PM

Thanks for the ideas. I hope to have some time mid-week to look at it. Anyone got a price guesstimate on a new front caliper?

Thanks

jerryp58 · Mar 19th, 2006, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertigo1

Thanks for the ideas. I hope to have some time mid-week to look at it. Anyone got a price guesstimate on a new front caliper?

Thanks

You should check your local auto parts stores, they probably carry them. Advance Auto Parts is local here. Their Website shows around $40-$60 for a caliper. You should replace the pads on both sides; you may even want to consider replacing both calipers.

Vertigo1 · Mar 19th, 2006, 08:14 PM

yeah, I found several sources online, but I'll get it/them through a friend who ones a performance shop, I get stuff at his costs. =) And of course I'll do the pads, sucks cause I dropped Metal Masters on when I got the truck about 14 months ago, but oh well. Definitely a good idea to consider just doing both sides. Gotta give them a good look first.

Thanks

Zilverado · Mar 20th, 2006, 09:12 AM

I agree with the sticking caliper theory - for the most part...

There is also a slight chance that your right caliper is at fault. If it has seized and is not braking at all, that would certainly cause the vehicle to pull to the left as well while braking (with a properly functioning driver's side calliper).

Just something to keep in mind, but since you say it drags to the left while straight driving, I think my first bet would be on the left caliper as well.

Let us know what you find.

abmobil · Mar 20th, 2006, 12:41 PM

More than likely its your drivers caliper but I just thought of something.
Its possible the caliper is fine but the caliper pins that allow it to slide back and fourth could be seized up and not allowing it to slide properly.

They might just need to be greased up.
When you pull it apart try to slide the pins back and fourth and they should slide with ease.

If they are very hard to push in and out thats most likely the problem.
These pins should be greased with brake specific grease every time the pads are changed.

If you do end up getting a new caliper, grease the pins while its apart.

dvdswanson · Mar 21st, 2006, 02:43 PM

just a thought, have you checked the air pressure in the tires?

MrOldLude · Mar 23rd, 2006, 02:56 PM

A dragging caliper will also pull under no braking. First thing you should do is bleed the system. Air in the lines will cause uneven brake force distribution.

Yontrop · Mar 23rd, 2006, 11:01 PM

All of the above information about the calipers is true, and are all possibilites for your problem.

One more thing to consider - compare the left and right side brake hoses going to the calipers. It's possible that the left-side hose was twisted, which doesn't allow the fluid pressure to go back to the master cylinder - it's called a 'pigtail'. It usually occurs from someone twisting the hose while reinstalling the caliper. Just check the hoses and see what's up.

Is there more dust on the left wheel than the right?