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.

 

Welcome to the boards!

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

I have the same issues. At 55 mph I step on the brakes Nd I get sent to the shoulder! I replaced both front calipers and it still does it. The wheel is slightly off when driving normal. So I don't know if I should just replace the front hoses?? But at the same time if I'm driving and I slowly pull the E-brake the car goes slightly to the left?? I'm kind of confused. Honestly the parts are SO cheap I might just buy two hoses for the front and rear wheel cylinders?? I would just like to fix the issue though

 

Buy hoses for the front. They're not expensive and it's routine maintenance anyway. If it's pulling and you dont feel it in the steering wheel, it's the rears... If it's pulling and the steering wheel yanks itself out of your hand, it's the fronts.

 

Well I found the issue. Today I went to back out of my driveway and the right front tire ripped the right front ground effect off.... Turns out my right control arm snapped. The bracket that bolts to the body or whatever broke off. So my wheel is basically hanging by a thread. I've been having a popping noise coming from the car too. It all makes sence

 

Your control arm tab on the k-member broke off?! Thats insane! Is it rusty?

 

Honestly, no it's not rusty. The whole bracket broke off the frame. I'm hoping I can weld it up. I can put a pic up but I'm not sure how on here

 

the right font caliper is binding or seized.

either the guide pins that allow the caliper float are corroded or the seal piston seal is wore out and piston is seized. Or Both.

The car not moving when it gear is a clue that a caliper is hanging.

easy enough to fix.. but I would be prepared to service the entire brake system. (pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses, flush, fill and bleed fluid) New rotors and drums are cheap enough to install new versus resurfacing old parts that may be already too damaged or thin for re-use.

A competent DIY mechanic can do a complete brake job is a few hours but you will need a helper to flush and bleed the brake fluid or have a vacuum bleeder or bottle bleeder.

once you get the brakes 100% inspect the suspension... old neglected cars need attention.. make is safe & reliable to drive before worrying about going fast.
good luck