Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Nasty pull to the right when applying brakes

when i apply the brakes i get a nasty pull to the right

Im assuming my left brake caliper isnt working right or a piston is stuck..


just want to make sure im in the right place before i rip my wheel off and see if i can figure out how to lube that piston and sliders... new caliper is $$$ i think

Or the brake pad is broken, or some brake fluid is on the rotor. In this case the caliper is lunched. Outside chance if the brakes check out is a suspension problem. Broken strut will toss you around a little.

broken strut could explain my clunk going over bumps

everything else checks out

well a new caliper from a plac ein town is 60$ CDN

whippy do, just pisses me off... 200 for wheel bearing (installed too) pile of rear suspension work

they guy at ford here said he wont charge me if he takes it apart and just lubes it up and its the caliper seizing


.. i doubt brake fluid would not allow the pads to grab, it would burn off almost instantly i would think

Reminds me of a problem I just solved on my beater Dodge Shadow... Upon braking, the car would pull to the right for a second, and then hold straight. Like the left caliper was slightly delayed. So, I tried to bleed the brakes thinking there must be a bubble in its line or something. All was fine until I went to do the left one- with the bleeder wide open, the pedal was WAY firmer than with the others. Clogged line I figured. Replaced it, and no change. Finally I got frustrated, yelled a profanity and smashed my foot on the brake pedal as hard as I could. It resisted for a second, and then gave away. Now the pedal had the same action as for the other three wheels. Bled that line real good until I saw a couple clumps of glop (technical term) coming through the line. Now the car stops straight and true.

Another example where determination, profanity and excessive force solve a problem.