What Causes Brake Pulling?
3 Answers
Brake pulling can be caused by the following reasons: Uneven braking force: Inconsistent braking force between the left and right wheels on the same axle. Asynchronous braking caused by uneven clearance between the rear brake shoes and brake drums, or differences in contact area can also lead to uneven braking force on both sides. In such cases, adjust the left and right brake clearances according to specifications or polish the contact surfaces of the brake shoes. Uneven braking torque: Different braking torque on the left and right sides of the same axle, resulting in one-sided braking. Common causes include brake cylinder oil leakage, piston rust, oil contamination on drum brake shoes, or differences in surface roughness between brake discs and pads or drums and shoes. These issues should be addressed during inspection as needed. Uneven tire conditions: Differences in tire pressure, tread patterns, or wear levels between the two sides can cause the actual rolling radius of the wheels to differ, leading to unequal straight-line travel distances. This can cause the vehicle to pull to one side even when not braking. Unequal wheelbase: Improper body repair on accident-damaged vehicles can result in unequal wheelbase on both sides. Suspension components such as uneven or failed shock absorber springs, loose suspension ball joints, or deformed connecting rods can interfere with each other during braking, causing brake pulling. Additionally, incorrect four-wheel alignment can also lead to this phenomenon.
Last time I had my car repaired, I encountered a similar situation. Brake pulling is mostly caused by tire issues—uneven wear on both sides or a significant difference in tire pressure can lead to this. It could also be a problem with the brake pads; severe wear or sticking on one side can cause the car to pull. Additionally, the suspension system is worth checking—leaking shock absorbers or deformed lower control arms can make the car veer to one side when braking. I recommend first using a tire pressure gauge to check both tires; if the difference is more than 0.3 bar, you should inflate them. If that doesn’t fix it, it’s best to have a mechanic inspect the brake calipers and suspension system. Don’t ignore this issue—it can be very dangerous at high speeds.
Those who have driven for over a decade know that brake pulling is most commonly caused by uneven braking force between the left and right sides. It could be due to a stuck brake caliper piston or a blocked brake hose on that side. Sometimes, a tread depth difference exceeding 2mm between tires can also cause this phenomenon. By the way, a loose tie rod is another potential cause—my neighbor almost had an accident while turning because of this. If you encounter this situation, avoid slamming on the brakes. First, turn on the hazard lights and slowly pull over. If the tires are smoking, it might indicate a seized brake caliper. Contact a repair shop immediately—replacing a set of brake pads could solve the problem.
