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Jeep pulling to left (driver side) when braking

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Old 04-01-2011, 09:16 AM
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Default Jeep pulling to left (driver side) when braking

I just thru a set of Bendix pads on the front of my jeep. Everything is more of less fine until i hit the brakes rather hard and the entire jeep started moving left (into traffic).

I just replaced the calipers 6 months ago. Do you think they could be the culprit?

I didnt change my rotors. I didnt even cut them (time crunch).

Should i start by replacing the rotors?
Old 04-01-2011, 09:20 AM
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I'd look at the calipers and the brake lines, left side is getting more pressure than the right. Did you machine your rotors when you redid your brakes?
Old 04-01-2011, 09:26 AM
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2x on checking calipers, especially check the slider pins. Use caliper grease on the pins. Clean and scuff and clean again your rotors (might be grease or oil on them) with 220 grit and brake cleaner. Rebleed the system, there might be air in one side.
good luck!
Old 04-01-2011, 10:52 AM
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I did not machine the rotors. I was a little strapped for time, but the rotors are still under warranty at autozone so I'll just get new rotors. Should I bleed the brakes?
Old 04-01-2011, 10:58 AM
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I did not machine the rotors but they are under warranty so I will replace them. I was strapped for time while doing the pads. Would bleeding the brakes help? I really can't believe it's the caliper, but I'll see.
Old 04-01-2011, 11:06 AM
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Why can't you belive it's the calipers?? They are what squeeze the rotors. If the jeep is pulling to one side then one side is working better than the other (unless there are worn steering parts). I also drive in our lovely IL winters, I grease my slider pins 2X a year, before and after the "salt season".
Old 04-01-2011, 11:14 AM
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Calipers seem to be the explanation.
Old 04-01-2011, 11:20 AM
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I just replaced them 6 months ago...but seeing as autozones part quality isn't the best...
Old 04-01-2011, 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by shooter5635
I just replaced them 6 months ago...but seeing as autozones part quality isn't the best...

Yes yes only 6 months old but please check the slider pins, confirm they still slide and grease them with caliper grease. Sorry if I was not clear what part of the caliper I think may be the problem.
Old 04-01-2011, 11:32 AM
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another thing you should look at is the steering knuckle where the break pad ear/tab slides back and forth. check for any grooves where the pad may be getting stuck. I went to replace my caliper yesterday and found out the knuckles were pretty bad causing uneven wear and my pads to stick.
this is a good write up about the problem and how to fix it.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/xj...rooves-924713/
Old 04-01-2011, 11:42 AM
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Its definitely not the calpiers. especially if you just replaced them. i had this exact same problem. its the break lines. there is a blockage causing one not to retract and its constantly riding on the rotor. in turn heating up your break fluid causing the one side to fail. since your pulling to the left check the right side line. thats what mine was. but im almost positive youve got a blockage in your line.
Old 04-01-2011, 12:07 PM
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I'm not going to rule out the calipers. They will be checked and lubed. As for the clogged break line, how would I check this?
Old 04-01-2011, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by shooter5635
I'm not going to rule out the calipers. They will be checked and lubed. As for the clogged break line, how would I check this?
11 years maybe alittle early to expect internally collasped rubber brake lines but if the calipers and slider pins are working correctly then brake hoses should be replaced as they will cause pulling if bad. It is not possible to visually confirm collasped brake hoses (the problem is inside the hose). Process of elimination, 1st confirm caliper and pins are good then suspect the hoses.
Bleeding the brakes is never a bad thing.
Old 04-01-2011, 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by DaddyCat
11 years maybe alittle early to expect internally collasped rubber brake lines but if the calipers and slider pins are working correctly then brake hoses should be replaced as they will cause pulling if bad. It is not possible to visually confirm collasped brake hoses (the problem is inside the hose). Process of elimination, 1st confirm caliper and pins are good then suspect the hoses.
Bleeding the brakes is never a bad thing.
Ok thanks. Ill check the calipers and pins tomorrow when i get a chance to get her off the ground. I also just checked the tire pressure (im at the shop at my high school) and the driver side tire was 6-7lbs low on pressure. Could that of caused the drift when braking?
Old 04-01-2011, 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by shooter5635
Ok thanks. Ill check the calipers and pins tomorrow when i get a chance to get her off the ground. I also just checked the tire pressure (im at the shop at my high school) and the driver side tire was 6-7lbs low on pressure. Could that of caused the drift when braking?

Drifting in a cherokee?!! LOL, you crazy kids



Yes low tire pressure on one side can cause pulling, absolutely.


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