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Car Pulls To One Side When Braking

If the car pulls left or right only when you brake, one brake is working harder or weaker than the other: a sticking caliper, contaminated pads or a fluid problem.

High risk

Have the brakes checked soon. Uneven braking can make the car unstable in an emergency stop.

Short answer · Why does my car pull when I brake?

Both brakes on an axle should brake equally. A caliper that sticks, pads contaminated with oil or fluid, a collapsed brake hose or worn suspension bushes make one side stronger or weaker. The car pulls towards the side that brakes harder.

On this page

Safe checks you can do

  1. Feel wheel heat after drivingA much hotter wheel suggests a sticking brake.Do not touch hot brakes.
  2. Check tyre pressuresUneven pressure also causes pulling.
  3. Look for fluid on the wheelsLeaks contaminate pads.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Does it also pull without braking?Tyres or alignment.
  2. Is one wheel hotter?Sticking caliper.
  3. Is the steering wheel shaking too?Uneven discs.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Sticking caliperBrakes harder or drags.
  2. Contaminated padsOil or brake fluid.
  3. Collapsed brake hosePressure released slowly.
  4. Worn suspension bushesThe wheel moves under braking.
  5. Uneven tyre pressuresPulls in general.

Questions about Car Pulls To One Side When Braking

Are pads replaced on both sides?

Yes, pads are always replaced in pairs on an axle.

Can ABS stop the pull?

ABS prevents locking; it does not correct a faulty brake.