Funky braking after lowering, help please!

[Bobby Pootz]

My local shop is closed today so I thought I’d ask here first.

I lowered the truck yesterday and after the test ride, when pressing on the brakes the truck veered left and steering wheel pulled right.

Back at the garage we found a leak from the drivers side brake caliper and tightened that up. Pumped up the brakes and no more leaking.

Problem still exists, when pressing the brake the truck goes left and steering wheel rolls right.

Also, after a stop the steering wants to go right but evens out after speed. I’m assuming bad tie rod Andy have an alignment appointment first thing tomorrow.

Could I have air in the lines? What else could be causing this issue?

Thanks in advance!

[Dayton601]

Air in line still, or perhaps a collapsed brake line, the one that goes from the frame to the caliper,

[SCOTI]

If the brake lines were not opened up during the lowering & it was just a leaking caliper, I would look @ the current alignment settings as well as making sure a brake line or fitting didn't get tweaked during the install.

[rustyfive-seven]

if you didn't open the system, make sure you didn't twist the rubber brake line if you had the calipers hanging, thatll do it too, don't ask how I know!

[Bobby Pootz]

Thanks guys, just looking at the truck yesterday, the front wheels were very canted so I know the alignment is way off. I’m going to assume a twisted line and double check both sides again. Thanks for the assistance!

[SCOTI]

What parts were used for lowering? Alignment definitely has to be dialed in after parts are changed. If nothing was changed (alignment settings) after swapping parts, that's definitely part of your problem.

Camber, Caster, & Toe settings will all be off.

[Bobby Pootz]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

What parts were used for lowering? Alignment definitely has to be dialed in after parts are changed. If nothing was changed (alignment settings) after swapping parts, that's definitely part of your problem.

Camber, Caster, & Toe settings will all be off.

Scoti, I just did the swap on Sunday and have the alignment appt. today. They couldn’t fit me in yesterday. I totally agree, the alignment is way off!

[Tom]

Twice when lowering chevy's with spindles I've had the brake line kink and do this, had to bend the hard line part of the brake line to get clearance and presto all fixed.

[Bobby Pootz]

Originally Posted by Tom

Twice when lowering chevy's with spindles I've had the brake line kink and do this, had to bend the hard line part of the brake line to get clearance and presto all fixed.

Thanks Tom, one of them looks a little twisted but not kinked, I'll have them adjust it while its up on the lift getting the alignment done. My buddies work a the shop so we can get it all checked out.

I can't wait to get this settled, it's been an unsafe ride to work, good thing the alignment is in a couple of hours!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Bobby Pootz

Thanks Tom, one of them looks a little twisted but not kinked, I'll have them adjust it while its up on the lift getting the alignment done. My buddies work a the shop so we can get it all checked out.

I can't wait to get this settled, it's been an unsafe ride to work, good thing the alignment is in a couple of hours!

I would never put any miles on a freshly lowered truck until alignment is done. I dial mine in myself (& I'm usually pretty close except Caster) but still won't drive them until alignment. It tears up tires FAST.

For reference, I just bought 4 new tires for my new DD. My buddy mounted them up on new wheels & said 'just pull up on the rack & I'll mount them'. With the front suspension unloaded we did a quick pull test on everything & I definitely had front end parts that were loose/needing replacement. Instead of leaving the new fronts on, I opted to put the old ones back on the front until I got the front end rebuilt/aligned. Looks goofy w/the different wheels & old tires up front but it prevented an 'odd' wear pattern already started on my new tires.

[Bobby Pootz]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I would never put any miles on a freshly lowered truck until alignment is done. I dial mine in myself (& I'm usually pretty close except Caster) but still won't drive them until alignment. It tears up tires FAST.

For reference, I just bought 4 new tires for my new DD. My buddy mounted them up on new wheels & said 'just pull up on the rack & I'll mount them'. With the front suspension unloaded we did a quick pull test on everything & I definitely had front end parts that were loose/needing replacement. Instead of leaving the new fronts on, I opted to put the old ones back on the front until I got the front end rebuilt/aligned. Looks goofy w/the different wheels & old tires up front but it prevented an 'odd' wear pattern already started on my new tires.

I completely agree, I had unfortunate timing for this project. I wouldn't ever drive it unless I absolutely had to. Good thing work isn't too far. It's not the perfect plan but I'm also not driving very fast and trying to keep it under 45 mph. It's the best I can do as I only have one vehicle. Thanks for the help and confirmation. I wish I had the knowledge and skills to do so pre-aligning myself.

[Rich84]

When I lowered mine my friend used dry lines strung from back to front. The front end shop said it was very close.