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BJ8 - Won't Stop Straight after Caliper Rebuild

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Andrew1

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Cheers All!

I recently rebuilt my front calipers with new pistons, rubber rings and dust boots. The interior of the caliper was fine. I replaced all fluid and performed a proper four point brake bleed + the clutch. The steering toe in was also set.

The problem, while braking at moderate to high speed the car veers to the right. Yikes!

The only thing that was not replaced were the flexible brake hoses, which seem fine. Nor were the newish pads replaced.

There was some brake fluid leakage onto the right pad before rebuilding, but cleaned with brake cleaner.

Can anyone offer things to check for. Are those pads permanently bad if they were exposed to brake fluid?

- Andrew -
 
Hi Andrew, yes in some cases exposing the pads to brake fluid can render them unfit for further service. Improper centering of the caliper or a draging wheel bearing can also contribute to this problem. Make sure the dust shields are installed correctly too. I probably would replace the brake pads first.---Fwiw---Keoke
 
Re: BJ8 - Won't Stop Straight after Caliper Rebuil

Wouldn't brake fluid on the right pads cause them to slip and therefore the car pull to left? I am not at all sure about that but it seems logical.

Bruce
 
Sounds like the right caliper is ok if it veers right. The problem seems to be the left side. How many times have you 'tested' them? Maybe it'll loosen up. Be careful.
 
Re: BJ8 - Won't Stop Straight after Caliper Rebuil

Could be low tire pressure on one side or steering related. Could be the flexible hose as they can look good on the outside but are constricted on the inside (fluid gets pushed through one way but can't return easily). You could put the front up in the air, spin the tires, apply the brakes and then try to spin them again to see if one side is locking up.

Another possibility is problems with the installation of the caliper piston/seal. Did you use hand pressure to put them in place or a big C clamp? (hint .. use hand pressure next time). Also worth bleeding the fronts again to see if you have any air remaining.

Cheers,
John
 
Re: BJ8 - Won't Stop Straight after Caliper Rebuil

[ QUOTE ]
Wouldn't brake fluid on the right pads cause them to slip and therefore the car pull to left? I am not at all sure about that but it seems logical.

Bruce

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi Bruce, I have seen it go both ways. When a pad gets saturated it will swell, stick in the caliper and not retract fully.Consequently, when you hit the brakes that one grabs first.---Keoke
 
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