Slight Pull - - Brakes???

[Zilverado]

So lately I've noticed a slight pull to the passenger's side while driving down the road. Not braking, just regular cruising. I suspected sticking brake calliper (or similar), so I lifted the front end and checked the wheel rotation. The right side definitely drags a bit. With a similar amount of force on both sides, I get about 5 wheel rotations on the driver's side and only about 3.5 or 4 on the passenger's.

To eliminate bad bearings from the mix, I removed the callipers and tried the rotation again - both sides are smooth rolling.

So, I'm just wondering whether a slight dragging of the brake pads would actually cause a pulling on the road. I've certainly experienced it before, with brakes that were binding more seriously, but this is pretty minor.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[N2TRUX]

Sounds like a dragging caliper to me. Try cleaning it and see if it helps..

[f.monroe]

I would say that the caliper or the rubber brake hose from the frame to the caliper is what you are after. I have seen several hoses collapse internally and cause the type of problem you are describing . Frank

[Zilverado]

Thanks for the responses guys. I've heard of the brake hose collapse as well, but have never actually experienced it myself. I know the hoses don't look the greatest anymore and could use replacing regardless. So maybe I'll replace the hoses and clean up and lube the callipers as a start.

I'll take a closer look when we get back from our camping trip in a couple of weeks.

Thanks again.

[boxrodz]

I wonder if it could be that the front is out of alignment ???

[Zilverado]

Originally Posted by boxrodz

I wonder if it could be that the front is out of alignment ???

Obviously, I'm hoping that's not the case. That's why I'm looking at brakes first. And since it came up relatively suddenly, I don't think it's the front end.

[Overcamber]

mine was the right front brake hose but it only pulled violently when i applied the brakes

[chevyjr73]

i had the exact same problem last week. after replacing the caliper it was in fact just the brake hose. i should have just checked the hose first. when i tool it off you could barely blow through it. the crazy thing is thr remanufactured brake caliper was only $15 but the brake hose was $30!

[87 STEPPER]

Originally Posted by chevyjr73

remanufactured brake caliper was only $15 but the brake hose was $30!

Yeah for the price of a regular rubber hose's your better off buying SS braided lines.

Iv'e had them on my truck for years and you'll never have to replace them.

I just put two new calipers on my truck just befor i went on the power tour cuz i had the left front sticking.

It's not the alignment cuz you confirmed that with the wheel drag test you performed.

[89 crew]

Have you hooked and burbs with the right rear? broken center bolt?

[85X3]

I've had the brake hose problem before too. But if it's not the brakes causing the pull, try crossing the front tires from side to side before spending money on an alignment. Especially if you aren't getting any abnormal tire-wear. I've seen alot of tire "pull" conditions on all different brands of tires. Hope this helps.