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'02 2500 Front Brakes - Hard pull to left when first braking, and RF seems to be dragging, too ...

russmcb

Full Member
Joined
May 15, 2014
Messages
15
I thought I had a simple problem and easy fix, but my first swing at it didn't solve the problem.

Symptom: Start braking, front wheels turn left.

I assumed (probably incorrectly), the RF caliper's piston was sticking and it wasn't squeezing the rotor.

I replaced the right front caliper (only $65, not bad). The rotor and brake pad thickness looked fine, so I left them as is. My wife helped me bleed that corner, and I went for a test drive. Still pulling left.

In fact, on a longer trip, the RIGHT FRONT would occasionally stick, pull to the RIGHT, and that wheel got pretty warm. However, luckily it would loosen up after a few miles and turns.

The truck has high miles (200K), and probably original brake lines (and maybe original LF caliper). Not sure about the rotors but they seem fine. No pulsating.

For years, I have occasionally seen the "Brake" and/or "ABS" dash lights lit, and since the brake performance has always been fine, I ignored the dash lights and they would always go away. Low brake fluid has never been a problem. I used a baster to empty the some of the old fluid from under the hood, but I'm sure a thorough bleed will help (and I plan to do that soon when the truck is up on HD jack stands).

I checked for codes with the OBDII reader but there were none. Currently there are no dash lights lit.

My next plan is to replace the LF caliper, both front brake hoses, and bleed the system, but figured it would be wise to get y'all's input first. I'm hoping it's not an ABS problem. I don't know anything at all about that system.

TIA!

Russ
 
I would go thru both front brakes again..

Could be bad slide pins or sticking caliper.
 
Ditto to what ygmn said. The rubber lines could also be the culprit. If none of that works it may be time to move on to the hub assembly. A worn bearing can throw an ABS code.
 
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