pulling to left when braking
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
pulling to left when braking
i have replaced the power steering valve and hoses. i just completed replacing the ps pump and now when i brake, it pulls to the left. the harder the braking, the harder the pull.
i did not notice this after the hoses and valve were replaced, seems to have occurred after the pump replacement.
any ideas what may be causing this?
i did a quick survey of the suspension (especially around the valve) and saw nothing obviously loose.
i am planning on having it aligned soon.
any help is appreciated.
thanks
i did not notice this after the hoses and valve were replaced, seems to have occurred after the pump replacement.
any ideas what may be causing this?
i did a quick survey of the suspension (especially around the valve) and saw nothing obviously loose.
i am planning on having it aligned soon.
any help is appreciated.
thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
It could be several things. You could have a caliper hanging up...they should be rebuilt in pairs to keep pressure equal between them.
You could have bad flexible brake hoses. It's not uncommon for them to look good on the outside and be deteriorating on the inside. If your car has the original hoses, it would be a good idea to go ahead and replace all...front and rear.
You could have a front rotor slightly warped and in need of machining.
You could have brake pads about worn out or no longer having a flat surface due to a warped rotor.
I don't see how replacing the p/s pump and hoses would have anything to do with the brakes outside of either coincidence or somehow a hose was accidently damaged while the work was being done.
No matter what, you need to have the entire brake system inspected and taken care of...whether the repair is relatively minor or major. Your brakes are simply too important not to maintain in top condition. Even the best brakes are barely good enough for safety.
You could have bad flexible brake hoses. It's not uncommon for them to look good on the outside and be deteriorating on the inside. If your car has the original hoses, it would be a good idea to go ahead and replace all...front and rear.
You could have a front rotor slightly warped and in need of machining.
You could have brake pads about worn out or no longer having a flat surface due to a warped rotor.
I don't see how replacing the p/s pump and hoses would have anything to do with the brakes outside of either coincidence or somehow a hose was accidently damaged while the work was being done.
No matter what, you need to have the entire brake system inspected and taken care of...whether the repair is relatively minor or major. Your brakes are simply too important not to maintain in top condition. Even the best brakes are barely good enough for safety.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 923
Likes: 37
From: Green Bay Wisconsin
Hello,
Car pulls to the left when braking, then look at the right brake caliper, sounds like its not working.
If one front caliper is bad it's time to replace them both.
Good Luck,
Douglas in Green Bay
Car pulls to the left when braking, then look at the right brake caliper, sounds like its not working.
If one front caliper is bad it's time to replace them both.
Good Luck,
Douglas in Green Bay
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
All the other suggestions above are correct!
A car that pulls when breaking more often than not the opposite side caliper causing the problem. You could have a hose problem on the opposite side or a caliper problem.
Oh, don’t forget the old grease on the brake pads too!
However, your post is about power steering changes so it is possible that the control valve is not centered! I did not see in your post where you said you centered the valve.
If you fail to center the valve the steering will do all kinds of funny things.
If you need instructions on how to do this, I have them on our site at as well as other common power steering links.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=188
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=129
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=240
Willcox Inc.
A car that pulls when breaking more often than not the opposite side caliper causing the problem. You could have a hose problem on the opposite side or a caliper problem.
Oh, don’t forget the old grease on the brake pads too!
However, your post is about power steering changes so it is possible that the control valve is not centered! I did not see in your post where you said you centered the valve.
If you fail to center the valve the steering will do all kinds of funny things.
If you need instructions on how to do this, I have them on our site at as well as other common power steering links.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=188
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=129
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=240
Willcox Inc.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
thanks for all the replies.
i have not had much time to get under the car to check anything.
i did center the valve after the i changed the control valve but not since the pump change.
i will inspect the brake system for the mentioned problems.
i will also check to see if the rotors got coated with fluid....the right front tire did have some wetness on the inside..need to see if its brake or steering fluid....there is power steering fluid everywhere under the car currently.
again, thanks for the replies. gave me a many things to check.
i have not had much time to get under the car to check anything.
i did center the valve after the i changed the control valve but not since the pump change.
i will inspect the brake system for the mentioned problems.
i will also check to see if the rotors got coated with fluid....the right front tire did have some wetness on the inside..need to see if its brake or steering fluid....there is power steering fluid everywhere under the car currently.
again, thanks for the replies. gave me a many things to check.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
ok, i just got to pulling the right front wheel off, (yes, i know-ive been neglectful in my repair duties) and immediately i noticed the rotor was oily, i wiped it down and did some looking around. the brake line seems to be in very good condition, clean, the white lettering even legible and the pads are fine. i did have a small oil leak on that side of the car that was taken care of weeks ago. everything else seems to be in order.
any suggestions on what to check 1st, 2nd etc. or is it possible the power steering fluid going everywhere under the car and the oil leak from the oil pan just caused the coating on the rotor?
thanks
any suggestions on what to check 1st, 2nd etc. or is it possible the power steering fluid going everywhere under the car and the oil leak from the oil pan just caused the coating on the rotor?
thanks
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
car pulls left on hard braking
Similar problem with 69'. When the brakes are applied hard and fast the car has an initial pull to the left. However, when the brakes are applied slowly the car stops in a straight line. After reading the posts so far, I'm hoping someone can put the remedy possibilities in an order of what should be checked first.
Thanks in advance for helping solve this condition.
Best regards,
Frank C
Thanks in advance for helping solve this condition.
Best regards,
Frank C
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I put a new caliper on and now it still does not stop straight and sometimes pulls to one side or the other.
I cleaned the pads off with acetone and reused them as they were brand new and figured they would clean themselves off.
Are the coated pads toast, should you buy new pads after getting them soaked in brake fluid ?
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Pine Hill New Jersey
I kind of agree with LS-1. Always look for something simple. Many times we look for some BIG technical problem and spend tons of money instead of using out logic.
Take it from someone who's been fixing cars for . . .Holy Crap !!!, almost 50 years
Take it from someone who's been fixing cars for . . .Holy Crap !!!, almost 50 years
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I put a new caliper on and now it still does not stop straight and sometimes pulls to one side or the other.
I cleaned the pads off with acetone and reused them as they were brand new and figured they would clean themselves off.
Are the coated pads toast, should you buy new pads after getting them soaked in brake fluid ?
I cleaned the pads off with acetone and reused them as they were brand new and figured they would clean themselves off.
Are the coated pads toast, should you buy new pads after getting them soaked in brake fluid ?
Does anyone think it is absolutely necessary to change calipers in pairs. Meaning; should I have replaced both fronts?
Now I'm think to change out all front pads and se whta that does. And then change out both front calipers.
Nay thoughts?
Thanks,
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Upadate: It was the right front caliper, one of the seals had competely blown out....got 2 replacements AND replaced the brake pads (though the other ones were still plenty good).....everyone i talked to agrees that if the brake fluid gets on the pads - better off changing them.
everything works fine now...thanks for all the input
everything works fine now...thanks for all the input
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,421
Likes: 1,558
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
You can replace only caliper and not have any problems,
You must change both left and right pads at the same time.
If you don't know how old the flex lines are you should change them both. PG.
You must change both left and right pads at the same time.
If you don't know how old the flex lines are you should change them both. PG.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Pine Hill New Jersey
Good to replace the pads every time you take them off. Also use semi metallic or ceramic pads.
One other thing you may check is the front end alignment. You may have some excessive negative caster on the left front. Then it will pull like a shopping cart does.
You may also need to look at the upper and lower control arm bushings. If the rubber is gone on any one of them it will make the car pull in that direction when braking.
I know that they are expensive, but when replacing calipers you should always replace them in pairs because it could be the LEFT one that is STICKING.
You may want to try rebuilding calipers on your own. All you need is a hone, new pistons and new rubber and a little shop air will help too. All the stuff is available from the auto parts store. Done it many times.
Good luck,
Bill
One other thing you may check is the front end alignment. You may have some excessive negative caster on the left front. Then it will pull like a shopping cart does.
You may also need to look at the upper and lower control arm bushings. If the rubber is gone on any one of them it will make the car pull in that direction when braking.
I know that they are expensive, but when replacing calipers you should always replace them in pairs because it could be the LEFT one that is STICKING.
You may want to try rebuilding calipers on your own. All you need is a hone, new pistons and new rubber and a little shop air will help too. All the stuff is available from the auto parts store. Done it many times.
Good luck,
Bill
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Pine Hill New Jersey
The brake hoses are a good idea too because they sometimes deteriorate from the inside and cause a "flap" which will cause the brakes to "stick".
Well, I'm done with advice today. It's nice out so I'll go outside a play.
Later, Bill
Well, I'm done with advice today. It's nice out so I'll go outside a play.
Later, Bill