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TR2/3/3A TR3 Brakes pull to side

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JFS

JFS

Jedi Warrior
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Last year after thirty years of use, a front caliper on the TR3 finally leaked. I rebuilt both calipers with a TRF kit and the brakes worked fine for the summer. This summer the car pulled to the right, quite violently if braked hard at speed.
I bled the left caliper and the car still pulls to the right, but not as badly. I have used silicone fluid in this car for more than twenty years without a problem. I did not, however, replace the old brake hoses. I cleaned and reused the old caliper pistons and one pair was somewhat pitted. I will replace the hoses and rebuild with another kit, but am wondering if I should replace the pistons.
 
Unless they are leaking, I doubt the pistons are the problem. IMO you are more likely to have contaminated pads or something wrong with the front suspension. Last time I had a TR3 that pulled violently, it turned out that one of the lower suspension pivots was broken loose from the frame.

To check the pads, just swap them from side to side.
 
My first guess would be: pits are causing a leak, leak has soaked the inboard pad, and now it grabs. But you won't know till you do an inspection.
if there is a leak replace the pistons along with a fresh rebuild. If there is no leak, I'd first check that all the pads move freely, and the pistons move the same. Also check suspension joints like Randall said.
If all seems to be in order, my next thought would be hoses.
Lots of times its the hose on the opposite side of the pull getting blocked and not allowing that caliper to activate.
 
Thanks all for the input. Inspection of the front suspension showed my rebuild twenty years ago is still good, although some rubber parts not so good any more. Pads on the left were a bit wet, especially on the inboard side; pads on the right were dry. I cleaned all four pads and, switching sides, replaced them. Took the car for a test drive and the brakes worked very well; the car stopped in a straight line. I must have a leaky piston on the left side that wets the pad but is not severe enough to noticeably lower the reservoir.

I remember having a difficult time getting the rubber parts into the grooves when I rebuilt the calipers last year. Anybody have any tips on the procedure? I should probably get new pistons for the left side and replace all hoses as long as I'm at it.
 
If you had trouble with the seals, there is likely still crud and/or old rubber down in the seal grooves. You can scrape it out with a dentist's pick or similar sharp tool to get to bare metal. They will fit in easily once the grooves are clear.

John
 
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