Pulling, Uneven or Grabbing Brakes

Front Brake Grab or Pull
A front pull condition could be the result of contaminated lining in one caliper, seized caliper piston, binding caliper, loose caliper, loose or corroded slide pins, improper brake shoes or a damaged rotor.

A worn, damaged wheel bearing or suspension component are further causes of pull.

A damaged front tire -- bruised, ply separated -- can also cause a pull.

Pull Changes From Side To Side
This is usually caused by brake drag followed by fade at one of the brake units.

As the dragging brake overheats, efficiency is so reduced that fade occurs.
- Since the opposite brake unit is still functioning normally, its braking effect is magnified.
- This causes pull to switch direction in favor of the normally functioning brake unit.

When diagnosing a change in pull direction remember that pull will return to the original direction if the dragging brake unit is allowed to cool down -- and is not seriously damaged.

Rear Brake Grab or Pull
Rear grab or pull is usually caused by; an improperly adjusted or seized parking brake cable, contaminated lining, bent or binding shoes and support plates, or improperly assembled components.
- This is particularly true when ONLY ONE REAR WHEEL is involved.
- However, when BOTH REAR WHEELS are affected, the master cylinder or proportioning valve could be at fault.

Possible Causes
1. Frozen or seized pistons.
2. Brake fluid, oil or grease on linings.
3. Caliper out of alignment with rotor.
4. Loose caliper attachment.
5. Unequal front tire pressure.
6. Incorrect front end alignment.
7. Lining protruding beyond end of shoe.
8. Parking brake cables incorrectly adjusted or seized.
9. Rear height-sensing proportioning valve out of adjustment.
10. Improperly adjusted, worn or damaged wheel bearing.
11. Brake lining on one side contaminated.
12. Backing plate bent or loose on one side.
13. Brake lining improperly seated with drum or rotor.
14. Brake lining water soaked.