My car slews left when brakes are applied -- why?

Question

When I apply the brakes in my 1999 Contour my car pulls every slow slightly to the left. I've checked the tires and they're all at normal inflation rates. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Your left caliper is grabbing a little tighter than the right side.  This is actuall most likely a problem with the right side, not the left.  The harm is that the left side is working harder to stop the vehicle, causing more wear on your pads, and more heat transferred to your rotors.  This can result in a warped rotor.  Solution, have right caliper rebuilt, and replace front pads.

Answer 2

You may have a leaking brake piston which is causing that wheel to 'grab' more than the other side.     Also could have metal on metal if the pad is completely worn out.    Could just be a sticking piston on the caliper as well.    In either case I'd get it to a garage asap fo check it out.

This may be a "slight pull" now when or if you have to make a hard or emergency stop you might find yourself off the road or pulled into another car or lane.          

Drive carefully until you get it checked out.      Chances are you'll need a brake job though.

Good luck

RoyG

KC

Answer 3

You have a front brake problem. Can be frozen caliper or a restricted brake hose or the brake pads are rusted in the brackets. If brakes all check out there may be a bad suspension part. Ball joint, tie rod, or lower control arm bushings. Good luck....

Answer 4

Not alignment...

The brakes need to be adjusted.  The left brake calipers are grabbing tighter than the right causing the car to pull when brakes are applied.

Alignment would pull the car left constantly...

Answer 5

i'd check that the caliper slides are lubed up and sliding freely on both sides first.  it could be a sticky piston but if you do it yourself lubing the slides won't cost you anything.