Pulling to the right

[BBQ BOY]

Just got the cruiser back from having 6 degree shims installed on the front and 4 in the back. Took it to the alignment shop and caster swing shows I have +3 caster which I believe is +2 because Toyota's specs show that they are +1 normally. Anyway. I had it aligned and had them fix the toe. When I apply the brakes it pulls very hard to the right. I have to fight it to stay straight. What's the deal?

 

[FLYINGLOW]

Retorque your u-bolts.

 

[BBQ BOY]

Retorque your u-bolts.

Check. Did that. Not it.

 

[ocdbeetle]

So It was all over the road before you took it but did you feel it pulling when braking before the shim/alignment ? It isnt the brakes?

 

[FLYINGLOW]

Did they pinch a break line when putting on new ubolts?

 

[bsmith123]

tire pressure

you dont have a low tire do you? can pull pretty hard

 

[BBQ BOY]

I don't have a low tire. Need to heck brake lines.

 

[bucfan]

If it only pulls when braking that is where I would start. Jack it up in the front end and see if one side isnt rubbing pad more that the other side. Good luck with it.

 

[grant5127]

You would have thought the alignment shop would've test drove it before letting it go.......

Where's the quality control these days??

 

[ocdbeetle]

You would have thought the alignment shop would've test drove it before letting it go.......

Where's the quality control these days??

True...Did you phone the alignment shop?

 

[BBQ BOY]

No. It was pulling before I had it aligned. I thought maybe it was the toe since it was all out of wack and also thought by correcting it that would solve the problem.

 

[ocdbeetle]

In that case it certainly sounds brake related.....

 

[FLYINGLOW]

No. It was pulling before I had it aligned.

Well thats a useful bit of information...

Look at your brakes, tires could come into play if you have seperated belts in a tire but you will likey have a shimmy too. Check the caliper and pads on the left, its probably seized. Your left rotor might be cooler than your right one after driving and braking which would quickly indicate its not working. Be carefull though, rotors get extremely hot so don't lay your hand on it. Check the hub and center of the wheel first.

 

[Pin_Head]

If it only pulls when you step on the brakes, it is a brake problem, not an alignment problem. It is also likely that the opposite side is not developing friction than the side it pulls to has too much.