What are the causes of car deviation during braking?
3 Answers
The causes of car deviation during braking are as follows: 1. Unilateral brake shoe wear or hub inner ring wear. Unilateral wheel wear causes inconsistent friction on both sides. 2. Frame deformation, resulting in greater force on one side. Broken load-bearing shock absorbers or oil leakage causing center of gravity deviation. 3. Improper brake adjustment, leading to unilateral braking. Different braking torque on the left and right sides of the same axle causes unilateral braking. Common causes include brake cylinder oil leakage, piston rust, drum brake shoe oil contamination, and different surface roughness between brake discs and pads or drums and shoes. These should be inspected and resolved as needed during maintenance. 4. Different tire pressure, tread patterns, or wear levels on both sides can cause different actual rotation radii of the wheels, leading to unequal straight-line distances when driving. This can cause the car to pull to one side even when not braking. 5. Improper body repair of accident vehicles resulting in unequal wheelbase on both sides. Suspension components such as deformed control arms, unequal shock absorber bends, or one side failure, loose suspension ball joints, and deformed connecting rods can interfere and coordinate with each other during braking, causing brake deviation. Incorrect four-wheel alignment can also cause this phenomenon.
I've been repairing cars for twenty years, and brake pull is a common issue. Common causes include uneven tire pressure—one tire with lower pressure leads to uneven force distribution during braking; uneven brake pad wear, where one side is too thin, reducing braking efficiency; aging suspension components like failed shock absorbers or loose linkages, causing the car to tilt; improper wheel alignment, affecting the driving path; or brake fluid leaks or contamination, leading to uneven hydraulic distribution. I recommend regularly checking tire pressure and maintaining it at the manufacturer's recommended levels; ensuring even maintenance of brake pads and calipers; and timely replacement of suspension components. If you encounter danger on the highway, first stabilize the steering wheel, apply the brakes gently, and ensure a safe stop for inspection—don't wait until it becomes an emergency.
A few days ago, my car pulled to the right when braking, which gave me a scare. After checking, I found the left rear tire pressure was too low, causing the right side to bear more force during braking. It's possible the brake caliper was stuck, leading to uneven brake force distribution. Uneven tire tread wear also worsened the pulling. A friend mentioned frequent hard braking can cause this. I've learned to check tire pressure monthly with a simple gauge, and that repair shops can adjust brake balance. Don't prioritize speed—safety first. If issues arise, slow down and pull over.
