What are the causes of brake pulling to one side?
2 Answers
Brake pulling to one side can be caused by: 1. Uneven clearance between the brake drums and friction linings on both sides, or oil contamination on the friction linings; 2. Inconsistent material, size, wear level, or contact condition of the left and right brake shoes; 3. Uneven tire pressure on both sides; 4. Restricted movement of the wheel cylinder pistons; 5. Deformation of the brake backing plate; 6. Out-of-round brake drums; 7. Improper installation of brake shoes. The troubleshooting methods for brake pulling include: 1. Repairing or replacing friction linings; 2. Adjusting tire pressure; 3. Servicing wheel cylinders; 4. Repairing or replacing the brake backing plate; 5. Servicing brake drums; 6. Checking and tightening center bolts; 7. Inspecting and repairing brake shoes.
As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I think brake pull is quite common, mainly due to issues with the braking system or suspension. The most common cause is uneven wear on the brake pads—one side wears out significantly while the other remains fine, leading to uneven braking force and a tendency to pull to one side. Then there are tire issues, such as a significant difference in air pressure between the left and right tires or inconsistent tread wear, which can also cause the car to pull due to differing grip. If the suspension system is loose or has damaged components, like a faulty tie rod or shock absorber, the car can easily lose control and veer when braking. I've encountered this a few times while driving—first feeling the steering wheel suddenly become unstable, only to later find out that the brake pads had worn unevenly, with one side half as thick as the other. The mechanic recommended checking them during regular maintenance. Additionally, slippery roads or uneven loading can worsen this problem, so addressing it promptly can prevent accidents. Safety first—if you encounter this situation, don’t panic; slow down and pull over.