Pulling to the left when braking?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Pulling to the left when braking?
2009 C6, completely stock with 60,000 miles. I've noticed that the car pulls to the left when braking, and the steering wheel rotates to the left also. Took it to the dealer and they recommended an alignment, but the problem was still there. Replaced all four shocks at around 50,000 miles (because we live in NYC and the potholes are terrible) and also replaced the brakes all around. I did all the work myself except the front end alignment and the 2 front shocks. Dealer says this is normal and happens because the road is uneven. I notice the same thing when on the right lane and the road slopes off to the right. What gives?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,608
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From: New Rochelle N.Y. 2013 Grand Sport
I don't know if there is a fix but I have the same problem. Dealer said it was perfectly normal. He said the wide tires of my GS don't help to make it any better. But I did notice on pretty much flat level surfaces it does stop pretty straight. Like you it's mostly on uneven surfaces. It could pull to either side depending on the road. Funny thing though is my dd '93 caddy never does it no matter what the road surface is like. So maybe there is some truth to the wide tire causing it. I would have thought that a really good wheel alignment that took into consideration the crowns in the road and aligned that way would stop it. My car has a correct wheel alignment ( I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS SET TO TAKE THE CROWNS IN THE ROAD INTO CONSIDERATION ) with only 5000 miles on the car and it does it so your not alone. Maybe other members can chime in on how their cars drive in this situation.
Last edited by red2012; Sep 21, 2013 at 12:26 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 16
From: Sugarhill Ga
check the axle nuts and wheel bearings 1st. then shake everything down, side to side and up & down. if that is all ok, check the brake hoses and look at the brake pads, look for uneven wear like a DRAGGING CALIPER.
as far as the crown of the road, check on another road.
as far as the crown of the road, check on another road.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 257
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I agree. My 2013 does it once in awhile also. Unless the brake is dragging I wouldn't worry to much. If you want , jack it up rotate by hand the two front wheels if the left is harder to turn it could be a dragging caliper.
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 90
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From: Toronto ontario
sounds like you have a bad caliper dude, if it's a floating caliper it may not be sliding properly, (base model vette) this means if you are pulling to the left, your right caliper may need attention. take a look at it.
let me know.
let me know.
Last edited by jsc62006; Sep 21, 2013 at 12:34 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2011
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I know this isn't normal because the car didn't do this from Day 1. It started at around 50,000 miles. When I did the brakes the right caliper piston was a little hard to retract, like it had some resistance in it. Could this be the cause?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 9
From: Upstate New York
The shop can also do a test where they measure the clamping force each caliper is putting out to see if there is an imbalance (car will pull to the side with the caliper that exerts more braking force). See if they have the equipment and have them perform the test.
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I am running 30psi all around and have four Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZP tires all around, purchased at the same time.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,018
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Hey app,
If you decide to go back to the dealership to have them look at the calipers, let me know. I can help with that. Keep us all posted on what you decide to do.
I am glad you are safe and did not get into an accident with that lady!
Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care
If you decide to go back to the dealership to have them look at the calipers, let me know. I can help with that. Keep us all posted on what you decide to do.
I am glad you are safe and did not get into an accident with that lady!
Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
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From: Shelton, Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Brake hose collapsing?
Check your brake hoses to the caliper. If the hose collapses, it may
not be releasing the pressure in the caliper quickly. Easy check is to apply brakes, release brake pedal and then loosen the caliper bleeder and see if there is any residual pressure.
not be releasing the pressure in the caliper quickly. Easy check is to apply brakes, release brake pedal and then loosen the caliper bleeder and see if there is any residual pressure.