Why Does the Steering Wheel Pull to One Side When Braking?
3 Answers
The reason the steering wheel pulls to one side when braking is due to uneven braking force on the left and right sides. If this occurs, it is necessary to have it adjusted at a professional facility. The braking system of a car is extremely important as it affects the vehicle's driving safety and stability. The braking system mainly consists of a vacuum booster, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, brake pads, and brake discs. Below are the maintenance methods for the braking system: 1. Use a professional brake disc cleaner. Before use, shake the liquid in the can thoroughly, then spray it directly onto the areas that need cleaning until dust and oil stains are completely removed. Wipe clean with a clean towel, leaving no dust or residue. 2. Use a professional brake caliper guide pin lubricant. Wear a single-finger glove and apply the product evenly to the surface of the brake caliper guide pin and inside the guide pin groove. Do not mix it with other mineral lubricating oils. 3. Use a professional high-temperature resistant brake pad protector. Wear a single-finger glove and apply the product evenly to the back of the brake pads and the sliding grooves at both ends of the brake pads. 4. Use a professional high-temperature anti-seize lubricant. Wear a single-finger glove and apply the product evenly to each tire screw rod and the metal contact surfaces between the wheel rim and the hub.
I've been driving for over a decade, and steering wheel pull during braking is always scary. The most common issue is uneven braking force between sides - like a seized left brake caliper or excessively worn right brake pads. Tire problems can also cause this, such as underinflated left front tire or uneven tread wear on right rear tire. Last time this happened, the mechanic found loose suspension ball joints causing wheel wobble during steering. Recent brake rotor replacement or tire repair without proper balancing may also lead to pulling. Never delay fixing this - it may cause loss of control during emergency braking. First check tire pressure and wear patterns yourself, then visit a professional repair shop if unresolved.
Last time when I was driving my kid to school and stepped on the brake, the steering wheel suddenly pulled to the right, almost scraping the guardrail. Later, the mechanic found out that this kind of pulling is most commonly caused by uneven braking force between the left and right wheels. Issues like a stuck brake caliper or blocked brake line could be the culprits. Also, if your car has hit a curb, deformed shock absorbers might cause this too. If the tie rod in the steering mechanism is bent, it can also make the steering wheel tilt when braking. Incorrect wheel alignment is another factor, especially if there's an issue with the front wheel camber, making the car more prone to pulling when braking. Now, during every maintenance check, I ask the mechanic to inspect these items, as steering pull can be particularly dangerous in rainy weather.
