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Car pulls to the left while braking

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by hans_fh, Dec 21, 2010.

  1. hans_fh

    hans_fh New Member

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    Sorry, I have a lot of questions these days. :D

    I put on a new set of tires (X Radial) at Sams Club with installation plan which includes balancing. I also brought the car to the dealer to have alignment (front I guess) done. The car goes a straight line no matter what except it always pulls left if I release the steering wheel when I brake from a high speed.

    My question is: is that normal for a car to pulls right/left under braking from high speed? If not, should I went back to Sams Club to ask them to redo balance, or check with the dealer to redo the alignment?

    I am also attaching the alignment work readout

    Thanks!
     

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    #1 hans_fh, Dec 21, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Based upon the printout, it appears that the car's alignment is good. Perhaps your brakes need adjustment?
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Dec 21, 2010
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  3. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Yes, I agree with Patrick - your alignment numbers look very good. There is a possibility you might have "radial tire pull" where one tire does not roll the same as the others. The way to test for this is to swap the tires from left to right and see if the problem is the same or if the problem switches sides (or goes away). Toyota has a TSB on this.

    http://priuschat.com/forums/toyota-...-tsbs/30286-pull-left-problem.html#post481198

    Since the problem occurs when braking, it is also possible that you have an issue with the brakes such as a sticking caliper on the front (the brake on the non-pulling side is not as effective because the piston is sticking) or misadjusted brake shoes on the rear (more drag on one side than the other).
     
    #3 dogfriend, Dec 21, 2010
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  4. Joe 26

    Joe 26 Member

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    Try braking in neutral to eliminate the regen, that will let you know if its the brakes, or what I like to call "torque steer in reverse". I theorize that just as you can have torque steer under acceleration on a FWD car, you could have the reverse while braking thru the transaxle during regen.
    My car had a left pull during cruise from day one, alignment fixed that but still occasionally pulls left on braking, but NOT in neutral, leading me to my theory.
     
    #4 Joe 26, Dec 21, 2010
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  5. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Brake caliper is jammed on the pins. Remove and grease the pins with break grease[High temp].H
     
    #5 Hal W, Dec 21, 2010
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  6. hans_fh

    hans_fh New Member

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    Could you tell me exactly how to do that?

    Thanks
     
    #6 hans_fh, Dec 21, 2010
  7. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    If you haven't got a manual and have never worked on brake calipers, then I would take it to a mechanic. Very important that things are done correctly. H
     
    #7 Hal W, Dec 21, 2010
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  8. hans_fh

    hans_fh New Member

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    Thanks! I will take it to a shop tomorrow
     
    #8 hans_fh, Dec 21, 2010
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