Car's pulling to the right when I brake - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

LambOfGod · 09-30-2009, 02:55 AM

So I checked out this 1990 Camaro RS today, when I took it for a test drive the engine was good (it didn't make weird noises), the gears shifted good and everything. The problem is when I brake at mid speeds (35+) the car pulls to the right quite a bit, I figure that would be dangerous at high speeds. When I don't hold the steering wheel it turns to the left quite a bit, a lot more than most cars do. When I put it in reverse and let go of the brakes I noticed it didn't move without me accelerating, isn't it suppose to move without me accelerating? Thanks for your help.

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on ThirdGen!

89transam*pearl · 09-30-2009, 05:12 AM

Welcome to the boards!

Possible and most likely cause for the car pulling to one side when braking (collapsing front brake hoses).

yamaha6611 · 09-30-2009, 06:53 AM

x2 youve got a caliper issue, its probably locking up a little bit, thats almost always the case with your symptoms... the steering running off to the left seems to be an alignment issue, neither are a big deal if you can replace a caliper, and take it to an alignment shop.

the car not moving while just sitting in gear, doesnt concern me. it was probably just where you were sitting.

inspectorcurly · 09-30-2009, 07:39 AM

Had a similar problem on a 92 and it was like 89 transampearl said the brake hoses they seem to collapse or something when they are old and not allow the caliper to relieve the pressure cusing an overclamping force on that side and it will pull slightly at first and then will finally after time lock up and burn up the caliper and rotor

5.SLOW · 09-30-2009, 08:49 AM

The left side caliper/hose can be causing both issues if it is starting to lock up.

When you are off the brakes it could still be partially applied causing a pull to the left, and when you hit the brakes it is not clamping like it should and the right front is doing all the work of slowing down the car and causing a pull to the right under braking.

It's ALWAYS a good idea to replace brake parts by axle (in pairs)....not by side.

If one side has failed....chances are the other is not far behind given the age of the car. If you replace one caliper and hose, go ahead and replace the other side as well.

86FireBird305 · 09-30-2009, 07:16 PM

If the calipers check out fine then check the bushings for the lower control arms. Loose or missing bushings can cause a braking pull...more often than not its a caliper but you never know.