Topic: Car Pulling to The Right
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Former Member
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Bladenboro, NC - USA
Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.
I took my car out a couple of times today. The first time everything was great, really running good with our 64 degree temperature. My nephew stopped by and wanted to go for a ride, so off we go at full throttle. The problem started when I wanted to slow down. I just mashed the brake lightly and the car really pulled to the right. It scared the crap out of me. Coming back up my long driveway, I hit the brakes pretty hard a couple of times and it actually turned the steering wheel to the right. I checked the fluid level and it's fine. Since I'm not mechanically inclined, that means I'll have to take the car somewhere to get it checked but now I'm actually afraid to drive it. Any ideas of what I need to check?
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
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
Assuming the car drove straight without using the brakes, we'll eliminate a suspension/alignment issue for now.
Only thing else is brakes. Apparently, you have at least ONE brake on the driver side not working, and if it is turning the wheel violently, I'd start looking at the driver side front caliper, and hose. It's possible the pistons have seized up in the caliper, or the hose has collapsed inside. Try loosening the bleeder on the ds front caliper, and have someone gently press on the brake pedal, and see if any fluid comes out. If it does, then you might need to raise the front up, and see if you can turn the wheel with the brake pedal pressed.
I have seen idler arm(on the steering linkage, pass side) do strange stuff like this, so it would be prudent to at least give it a good up/down shake. Normal looseness is about 1/4" or less in the idler arm. A loose/worn idler normally causes a wander, or inability to track straight while driving, but, it is possible.
Only thing else is brakes. Apparently, you have at least ONE brake on the driver side not working, and if it is turning the wheel violently, I'd start looking at the driver side front caliper, and hose. It's possible the pistons have seized up in the caliper, or the hose has collapsed inside. Try loosening the bleeder on the ds front caliper, and have someone gently press on the brake pedal, and see if any fluid comes out. If it does, then you might need to raise the front up, and see if you can turn the wheel with the brake pedal pressed.
I have seen idler arm(on the steering linkage, pass side) do strange stuff like this, so it would be prudent to at least give it a good up/down shake. Normal looseness is about 1/4" or less in the idler arm. A loose/worn idler normally causes a wander, or inability to track straight while driving, but, it is possible.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Been dare done dat...mine was because the caliper was leaking fluid, changed out the caliper and it stilled pulled. Long and short of it....you can never get the brake fluid out of a fluid soaked pad. I changed the pads and all has been fine.
ebo
|UPDATED|3/12/2012 9:12:45 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Jim with that Beast you have Good Brakes are a Good Thing to have! Thank goodness you did not hit the" Bottle"!!!!!

|UPDATED|3/12/2012 9:12:45 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
If the front caliper checks out, check the rear calipers also. I had a pulling issue with my daily driver a while back that turned out to be a faulty rear caliper.
There is no substitute for low end torque!
Former Member
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
I have also, "Been there, done that, got the "T" shirt!!. My probl;em was with the drivers side front brake. No problems since then!!!! I wonder if Mr. EBO has changed any more light bulbs? I just did the one for my transmission position, I put on a new center consule plate also. I am ready to "rock 'n roll" Bring on the good weather!!
Dan


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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
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
ebo said:Thank goodness you did not hit the" Bottle"!!!!!
ebo

As opposed to Albo, who's always on da bottle.....



Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
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Bladenboro, NC - USA
Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.
Thanks Guys. It's the drivers side caliper. That's the least of my worries now because I discovered I also have a heater core leaking. When it rains it pours.

in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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