What Causes Brake Pulling During Braking?

[Juniper]

The causes of brake pulling include: 1. Uneven braking force on the left and right sides of the same axle. If the clearance between the rear brake shoes and drums is inconsistent, it can lead to asynchronous braking or differences in contact area, resulting in uneven braking force. In such cases, adjust the left and right brake clearances or polish the contact surface of the brake shoes as per specifications. 2. Different braking torque on the left and right sides of the same axle. This can cause one-sided braking, often due to issues like leaking brake wheel cylinders, rusted pistons, oil-contaminated drum brake shoes, or varying surface roughness between brake discs and pads or drums and shoes. Inspect and rectify accordingly during maintenance. 3. Uneven tire pressure, tread patterns, or wear levels on both sides. These differences can cause the actual rolling radius of the wheels to vary, leading to unequal straight-line travel distances. This can cause the vehicle to pull to one side even when not braking. 4. Improper body repair on accident-damaged vehicles. If the wheelbase on both sides is unequal due to poor repairs, or if suspension components like shock absorber springs are uneven or one side fails, loose suspension ball joints, or deformed connecting rods, these can interfere with each other during braking and cause pulling. 5. Incorrect wheel alignment can also lead to brake pulling.

[AuroraFitz]

Brake pull during braking is often caused by an imbalance in the braking system. For example, if the brake pads on one side wear out too quickly or the brake caliper gets stuck, it can result in uneven braking force on both sides, causing the car to pull toward the side with weaker braking. Uneven brake fluid distribution or leaking brake lines can also cause issues, especially during hard braking. If these problems are not fixed promptly, they can increase the risk of accidents, particularly on slippery roads. It is recommended to regularly check the thickness of the brake pads to avoid uneven wear on the pads and rotors. If you notice severe pulling, take the car to a professional shop for a brake component inspection—usually, replacing the brake pads or recalibrating the system can resolve the issue.

[ValentinaLee]

As someone who drives frequently, brake pull is often related to tires. Uneven tire pressure is a common issue – if one tire is underinflated, the car tends to pull to that side during braking. Another cause is uneven tire wear, such as when one side of the front tires is worn smooth, creating significant differences in friction during braking. Loose wheel bearings or deformed rims can also contribute to the problem. Before daily driving, I make it a habit to check tire pressure with a gauge and maintain it at the recommended level. Before long trips, I inspect the tire tread and replace worn tires promptly. Maintaining balance can greatly reduce the occurrence of pulling and help avoid the risk of losing control during sudden braking.

[OAdam]

Hey, another major culprit of brake pull is suspension system issues! If one shock absorber fails, the car body will tilt, naturally causing the brakes to pull to one side; or if the tie rod wears out, misalignment can lead to deviation. These aging components become glaringly obvious during high-intensity braking. When maintaining my own car, I pay special attention to checking the shock absorbers and control arm bolts, replacing them if necessary to ensure stability. Regular maintenance of the suspension system is key—don't wait until something goes wrong while driving to regret it. Safety first, right?