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Over the past year, I've been trying to diagnose a pull to the left under heavy braking (92 245). My first thought was that I hosed the rear caliper rebuild. So a year ago, I pulled the calipers apart again and rebuilt them, no change even with fresh pads and rotors.
Six months ago, the pull to the left got worse under braking, so I rebuilt the front calipers again along with new pads and rotors. No change. Tires were low on tread but the wear was even.
Two weekends ago, I had new tires put on and tried to have the car aligned. The alignment couldn't be done due to a really trashed driver side outer tie rod end. I replaced all four tie rod ends and had the car aligned. It felt fine, handled great although the tire choice was a compromise vs. the old ES100 tires. I didn't realize until today when a Buick made a right hand turn into the center lane (where I was)right in front of me. I buried the brakes and steered slightly right out of habit to correct for the brake pull to the left. I didn't hit the Buick, but my car turned to the right (didn't go straight). After that I found a clear stretch of road, took the car up to 50 and buried the brakes with hands off the steering wheel. The car went straight! Eureka!!!
So I have taken from this that the outer tie rod end was the actual cause of the pull to the left under heavy braking! As a result, my advice would be to check the front end tie rods if you have a brake pulling issue. Of course, don't forget the suspension bushings! These items are a lot easier to deal with than blindly rebuilding the calipers.
Almost forgot to mention one strange thing about the Buick that turned in front of me, it had a McCain and an Obama bumper sticker on it!
jorrell
Hope the above helps someone out!
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92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!
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