ok guys, I was driving the other day and came down a steep hill not going very fast but noticed when I pressed the brake the truck pulled hard to the right. First thing I thought was alignment but I didn't hit anything to knock it out that quickly so what could it be? I have to go back to school monday so I'd like to get it fixed before then. It drives fine when I am not pressing the brake but as soon as I touch the brake it pulls really hard to the right. Anyone else ever had this problem? Thanks

 

If it were an alignment problem, it would pull all the time, not just when braking. Sounds like you have a front brake problem. For some reason, the right brake is slowing it's wheel more than the left brake, hence the pull to the right. I would definately have your brakes checked. Could be dangerous.

Good luck!

DeWain

 

Ok thanks. Maybe if a moderator thinks this would get a better response in the Help secton....Please move it! Thanks

 

The self adjusters on the back brakes on these trucks often don't work like they should. Mine was pulling left when braking. I set up the back brakes and it straightened out. I've noticed over time that it's starting to do it again. I'm going to make it a routine maintenance thing.

 

I second the back brakes

 

So just go out and JAM on the brakes to get em to lock up? I dont know if this makes a difference but it also turns the sterring wheel!!!!

 

My first guess is your left calipar is stuck and not working. Jack up the left and have someone apply the brakes moderately and see if you can still turn the tire. If it still turns its not working.

 

You have to take the rubber plugs out of the backing plates, jack up both wheels if you've got an LSD, put it in neutral and turn the adjuster starwheels until you can just feel the brakes drag a bit when you rotate the tire. The adjusters should only turn one way. Go about 2 or 3 clicks at a time. It's a little tricky with an LSD because both wheels rotate. If you don't have an LSD, you can jack one wheel up at a time, put it in neutral and rotate the tire. If you go too far, take a small screwdriver, stick it in the adjuster hole and hold the lever that catches on the starwheel away so you can turn the starwheel the opposite way to loosen the brakes. Hard to explain, but you'll see what I mean when you do it. A brake tool makes it easier to do.

 

How long have your front brake pads been on? My truck was pulling to the right, and hard, most of the summer. I adjusted the rears, disconneced the load sensing arm for the rear brakes and tied the proportioning valve fully open that gives the rears full pressure, to no avail. Last week I decided to replace the front pads. Did that, and BINGO, no pull. With both hands off the steering wheel and jabbing the brake pedal, it now stays in a straight line.

As far as I know, my pads were original, 95K miles.

 

I'm just going to take it to the shop next week and have them replace them with raybestes(sp). I doubt I need new back drum brakes but I'll have him look at them and then fix whatever the problem is as well as have him tighten my steering and rotate my tires. Then Im going to take it to a different shop and get it aligned. It should be all good by then. I have about 80,000 miles and i bet the brakes are origina. Thanks guys, i'll let u know how it goes.

 

I THINK THAT WILL BE A VERY SMART MOVE.

 

As far as I understand pulling hard to one side when stopping can be your umm controll arms? Those 2 things on each side that keep the front axel in line. I'm told that when the rubber bushings in them go that happens. Also check your trac bar. My dads truck was having that problem and both of them were bad so we changed them both. Stops straighter now.
Chris

 

Well, I got the truck fixed today. I haven't picked up yet but I will later tonight. The mechanic told me the left caliper was moving in real slow so the right side was the only one doing the braking which caused the pull to the right. He replaced it with an remanufactured one and said its all fixed. He also rotated my tires and tightened my steering. How often should I rotate my tires? ALso I get my new headlights tonight!!! Thanks for all the help guys.