What Causes Uneven Braking on One Side?
2 Answers
Uneven braking with one side responding faster than the other could be due to uneven brake pad wear or issues with the brake caliper or hydraulic line on the slower side. It is necessary to inspect whether the brake pads or calipers are sticking. Below are some methods for maintaining brake pads: Avoid sudden braking: Emergency braking causes significant damage to brake pads. When driving normally, pay attention to braking gradually or using intermittent braking (pump braking), which results in less wear on the brake pads. Reduce braking frequency: Develop the habit of minimizing brake usage during normal driving. For instance, use engine braking to reduce speed before applying the brakes for further deceleration or stopping. Downshifting can also help achieve speed reduction while driving. Regular wheel alignment: If the vehicle shows signs of pulling to one side, promptly perform a four-wheel alignment to prevent tire damage and excessive wear on the brake pads of one side.
Last time I drove, I encountered uneven braking—one side was faster than the other, which felt really awkward. There are a few main possible causes: First, the brake pads on the left and right sides might be worn unevenly. For example, if the right pad is almost worn thin while the left one is still fine, the braking force will be uneven. Second, the caliper piston could be stuck. If the car sits for a long time and rust forms, the piston may not move smoothly, causing slower response on one side. Third, there could be an issue with oil or dirt contamination. If the brake disc gets oil or mud on it, the friction decreases. I suggest taking the car to a repair shop immediately for inspection—don’t delay. Otherwise, the steering wheel might pull to one side, which can be dangerous at high speeds. In daily use, pay attention to the feel of the brake pedal (soft or hard) and differences in wheel hub temperature—simple checks can help identify problems early.
