Pulling when brakes applied

[lmatt]

HAve an issue when the brakes are applied . The explorer pulls to one side. Have put new FORD pads on the front, new FORD shoes on the back. New Ford front rotors. ANy info would be great. Only thing I havent tryed is a new proporting valve.

 

[BP_93explorer]

Did you check the calipers?

 

[Tony H]

Sounds like a frozen or sticky caliper or wheel cylinder. If you were able to retract the Calpiers at the time you put new Pads on the front then I'd look at the rear wheel cylinders.
If one side is frozen then the vehicle will pull to the other side.

A frozen Front brake will yank the wheel from your hand, A frozen rear brake will just cause the truck to pull without that Steering wheel yank.

Was the rear drum area 'wet', was th ebrake dust really clumped in there? that would mean a leaking wheel cylinder.

 

[lmatt]

The calipers did retract when we installed the front pads. The pins were loose a free moving. When we installed the rear shoes, one of the linings was loose and cracked. The wheel cylinders hadnt been leaking. Found one axle seal just starting to leak, but not onto the shoes. There was alot of brake dust in the drums, just figured it was from the shoes . They were from the local parts store the last time, not Ford brand.
This problem almost acts like something in the front suspension or steering system when the brakes are applied. It was grabbing and pulling the vechicle around from back to front before I replaced the rear shoes. Now thats gone. But still trys to pull or change the direction of the steering wheel. Not bad, just enough you have to fight the wheel alittle. Thanks for the help so far.

 

[Lt.Jim]

Check your radius arm bushings. If one(usually the passengerside) is worn this could cause a pull to the side. Other indications would be a "clunk" sound when breaking or turning.

 

[lmatt]

Radius arm bushings are fairly new. No clunk at all.

 

[Phager]

A partially (Or fully) collapsed brake line on the side opposite the pull will cause a pull as well. The reason behind this is that the brake fluid will get to the caliper that's pulling first and then to the other side.

Hope this helps.

Pat