Brakes

Post by **fleurvan** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 8:31 am

This last week my van has developed a habit of pulling to the nearside when i press the brakes, but after i have braked 4-5 times the problem seems to go away ? I had a quick look at the front brakes and there seems to be a small weep from one of the wheel cylinders on the nearside, if this is the problem would it cause it to pull to the nearside or the offside ?

Post by **PSL184** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 8:59 am

Usually you would expect the pull to be opposite side as this would, in theory, have the most braking force. The pulling could be due to a build up of brake dust or even a worse leak on your offside rear.....

Post by **mike.perry** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:29 am

Change the leaking cylinder before it contaminates the brake linings.
You may have a leaking cylinder on the other side that that has already contaminated the linings.
Remove the brake drums one at a time and get someone to push the brake pedal gently whilst you check that the pistons are moving.
A stuck piston will cause the brakes to pull.

Post by **simmitc** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 2:21 pm

If anything is leaking then check you fluid level before you find no brakes at all! Even then, brakes are an essential piece of safety equipment for you and other road users, and MUST be properly maintained, so investigate and repair before using the car again.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 2:52 pm

Yes - investigate and repair immediately - or stop using the car.

It will stop 'pulling' because the good side will be heating up and fading - until the brake force it applies matches the force on the 'weak' side. New shoes and cylinders are not expensive (certainly compared to any modern cars) and easy enough to fit. I've PMd you the link to the free Workshop manual download - read it well!

Post by **fleurvan** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 6:30 am

Thanks for all the information, will set about it this weekend