Brakes affecting steering

jemonsalve · #1 02-06-2015, 02:58 PM

Hi guys I'm having a mild problem with my 1995 Ford Ranger. As I'm driving my steering wheel is straight (I just got an alignment done and have new wheels and tires, my brakes are also fairly new) but when I apply the brakes the steering wheel tends to move slightly to the right and if I smack the brakes the steering wheel will move aggressively to the left. Has anybody ever encountered this problem and what have you done to fix it?

barneycat11 · #2 02-06-2015, 03:50 PM

Check the brakes sounds like a possible stuck caliper.

jemonsalve · #3 02-06-2015, 04:46 PM

I just checked them and the tires move smoothly which makes me think that's not the problem.

RoberticusMaximus · #4 02-06-2015, 05:06 PM

check the hub temperatures after a descent drive. if ones hotter than the other, that might confirm yes/no on the caliper.

cowboybilly9mile · #5 02-06-2015, 05:22 PM

Road crown.

Tire air pressure.

For starter things to think about.

RoberticusMaximus · #6 02-06-2015, 08:24 PM

no doubt! ^^ your road surface and unequal tire pressure can make for some funky symptoms! also, you might pull the wheels off & spin to rotors by themselves. you can see which is more stubborn a little easier that way

-Ray- · #7 02-07-2015, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboybilly9mile

Road crown.

Tire air pressure.

For starter things to think about.

Let me add, worn ball joints, loose bearings.

cowboybilly9mile · #8 02-07-2015, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Ray-

Let me add, worn ball joints, loose bearings.

True. I omitted that in hope that that since he just got an alignment that the shop was competent and checked the wear items; OP should know the prognosis. But never say never.

RoberticusMaximus · #9 02-07-2015, 06:20 PM

i know right?! an alignment shop ought to uncover shit like that! OP, while you've got teh wheels off (lol) best time to check teh upper ball joints and tie rods!