What Causes Brake Pulling?
2 Answers
The following reasons can cause brake pulling: 1. Different brands or specifications of brake pads (disc brakes) or brake shoes (drum brakes) on both sides lead to varying friction effects, resulting in uneven braking performance. Alternatively, brake caliper leakage may cause oil contamination on one side, reducing braking effectiveness. 2. Inconsistent friction coefficients between the two brake discs or drums, such as one side being smooth and the other rough, create uneven braking forces. 3. Leakage in brake calipers, brake lines, or connectors causes imbalanced braking, or a stuck/seized caliper piston on one side. 4. Excessive wear clearance in brake calipers leads to different compensation gaps in the calipers during braking, causing the vehicle to pull. 5. Air trapped in the brake system, especially in the lines near one side, creates uneven braking performance.
Last time my car pulled to one side during braking, which really startled me. Later, the inspection revealed it was caused by uneven brake pad wear. The left brake pad was almost worn flat, while the right one still had half its thickness left, resulting in different braking forces on each side. The mechanic told me this could be due to a stuck brake caliper or air in the brake lines affecting pressure transmission. Suspension system issues shouldn't be overlooked either—for example, leaking shock absorbers or deformed lower control arms can affect the tire contact angle. Significant differences in tire wear are also a common cause. Once, my right front tire tread was nearly gone while the left front still had deep tread, causing the car to pull noticeably to the right during braking. This kind of situation absolutely shouldn't be ignored, especially in rainy weather when a momentary lapse could lead to loss of control. I recommend going directly to a professional shop for a comprehensive brake system inspection using a lift.
