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Topic: Breaking pulls to right

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/15/06 6:16pm Message 1 of 10
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McKinney, TX - USA
Joined: 4/8/2005
Posts: 263
Vette(s): 1982 Collector Edition, Silver-Beige metallic, 45000 miles and counting. 2024 Riptide Blue Z06 Convertible

The breaks on my 82CE continue to pull to the right.  Makes no difference on speed although (as one would expect) the harder I break the more it wants to pull.  I assume the left front caliper is slower to engage and never as fully as the right front caliper.  Couple months ago I replaced all the break pads and had the local garage bleed the break lines because of a slight squeal when breaking -- I had hoped bleeding the lines would also fix the pull.  Is there any easy caliper repair I could do or is it best to have the local garage replace the front calipers.  If I have to replace, any ideas on the best to go with or am I better to have my original calipers overhauled with new seals and pistons.

thanks




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Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/15/06 6:36pm Message 2 of 10
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BINGHAMTON, NY - USA
Joined: 7/19/2003
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I've got the same problem with my 78,have'nt pulled it apart yet,to figure which one it is,the only caliper that hasn't been replaced is the right front one,I have replaced all brake lines and hoses last summer,and master cylinder


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Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/15/06 7:55pm Message 3 of 10
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Are you sure you don't have an alignment problem, or some other suspension malady? Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, or steering linkages can also cause a pull in one direction.
If you're sure it's a caliper problem, it's really best to replace/repair both of them at the same time.
If your calipers are not corroded(inside), you can rebuild with new seals. If there is corrosion/pitting, then sleeved calipers are the best way to go.
Lone Star Calipers is a good source. Ken also stated the other day that stainless sleeved calipers were available at AutoZone, I think.

Lone Star Calipers...in Canton, TXAdams' Apple38852.8318287037


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Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/15/06 8:12pm Message 4 of 10
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McKinney, TX - USA
Joined: 4/8/2005
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Vette(s): 1982 Collector Edition, Silver-Beige metallic, 45000 miles and counting. 2024 Riptide Blue Z06 Convertible

You raise a good question....all I know is when I bought the car last spring, I had it inspected and the report said there were no problems with any of the front end components....

It only pulls when I break so I assumed it was the calipers...unfortuanately, I wouldn't know what to look for when it comes to all those parts you mention.  Guess I need to take it to the corner Firestone garage and pray for an honest mechanic. 




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Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/15/06 8:35pm Message 5 of 10
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replace the calipers(all 4 if funds allow)but for problem free braking make sure you get stainless steel sleeved calipers with O RING seals.Mid America and others sell them.The O RING design is the only one to use if you don't want soft brakes down the road.They are working for me.Good luck.


Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/26/06 12:01pm Message 6 of 10
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Rhineland, MO - USA
Joined: 4/11/2006
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Vette(s): Picked it up and it running good now. Just need to do a few more things and she will be 100 percent.
[QUOTE=Reds82CE]

You raise a good question....all I know is when I bought the car last spring, I had it inspected and the report said there were no problems with any of the front end components....

It only pulls when I break so I assumed it was the calipers...unfortuanately, I wouldn't know what to look for when it comes to all those parts you mention.  Guess I need to take it to the corner Firestone garage and pray for an honest mechanic. 

[/QUOTE]

I just went through that same thing. When I would put on the brakes, the car literally would make a right hand turn. I replaced the callipers because they were leaking. It still did it so I replaced the front brake pads and solved the problem. Try a new set of pads to see if that is your problem. They may have been contaminated with oil, grease or even brake fluid like mine were.

 




Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/26/06 2:18pm Message 7 of 10
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McKinney, TX - USA
Joined: 4/8/2005
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Vette(s): 1982 Collector Edition, Silver-Beige metallic, 45000 miles and counting. 2024 Riptide Blue Z06 Convertible
I installed  new pads in January to solve the break squealing...and hoping it would solve the pulling....got rid of the squeal, but she still pulls right.  I have 4 new Oring type calipers on order (naturally, they are back ordered) from Ecklers.  Hopefully they come before our PF trip.


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Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/29/06 3:35pm Message 8 of 10
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Nales, FL - USA
Joined: 6/5/2005
Posts: 57
Vette(s): 1978 Siver Anniversary Editon, L48, almost all original

My 78' has just recently started pulling to the right as well.  She'll be fine, and when I apply the brakes, she'll take a right turn. 

I'm pretty sure all my calipers are ok.  I'm thinking my problem, and possibly yours as well, is the power steering cylinder.  I know mine is leaking.  My issue started with a slight pull to the right when the brakes were applied, and has grown to the right turn now.




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Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/29/06 5:49pm Message 9 of 10
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Victor, NY - USA
Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6842
Vette(s): 2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe
I had the pulling problem last fall. Turned out to be a frozen caliper. Got new (rebuilt) calipers and pads. No more pulling.


 
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Breaking pulls to right

Posted: 5/29/06 8:22pm Message 10 of 10
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
Yes, stainless sleeved calipers are available at AutoZone, complete with lifetime warranty.   That's whats on my car.


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