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2016 Lancer GT - Car Pulls to the Left When Braking

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:08 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer GT

I own a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer GT with about 80,000 miles. Lately, I've noticed a concerning issue: the car pulls pretty sharply to the left whenever I apply the brakes, even gently. It's not just a slight drift; it actively tries to steer left.

This happens consistently, and it's making me nervous, especially at higher speeds. There are no strange noises like grinding or squealing, and the brake pedal feels normal, not spongy or hard. The steering feels fine otherwise when I'm not braking.

What could be causing this sudden pull during braking? Is it a brake issue or something with the alignment? Any advice would be helpful!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:08 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

A vehicle pulling to one side specifically during braking is a classic symptom of an imbalance in braking force between the left and right wheels. This is a safety concern and should be addressed promptly.

Here are the most common causes:

  1. Sticking Brake Caliper (Right Side):

    • Cause: If the right-side brake caliper (or its piston/slide pins) is sticking, it won't apply full braking force. This means the left brake will be doing more work, causing the car to pull towards the stronger braking side (the left in your case). This can also lead to uneven pad wear.
    • Action: Inspect both front calipers. Look for uneven pad wear, rust on the slide pins, or a caliper that isn't fully releasing or engaging. The caliper may need to be serviced or replaced.

  2. Contaminated Brake Pads (Right Side):

    • Cause: If a brake pad on the right side has become contaminated with oil, grease, or brake fluid, its friction material will be compromised, reducing its effectiveness. Again, this leads to an imbalance.
    • Action: Inspect brake pads for any signs of contamination. If found, replace the pads (and possibly the rotor if it's also contaminated) on that axle.

  3. Uneven Brake Pad Wear / Different Pad Material:

    • Cause: While you mentioned no noises, severely uneven pad wear between the left and right sides can cause a pull. Also, if different types of brake pads (e.g., ceramic on one side, semi-metallic on the other) were inadvertently installed, they would have different friction characteristics.
    • Action: Visually inspect all brake pads for even wear and ensure they are the same type on each side of the axle.

  4. Collapsed Brake Hose (Right Side):

    • Cause: A less common but possible issue is an internal collapse of the flexible brake hose leading to the right caliper. This acts like a one-way valve, restricting fluid flow to the caliper and reducing braking force on that side.
    • Action: Inspect the flexible brake hoses for bulges, cracks, or signs of collapse. This requires careful inspection and possibly a pressure test.

  5. Suspension or Steering Component Wear:

    • Cause: While less likely to cause a sharp pull only during braking, severely worn control arm bushings, ball joints, or tie rod ends can exacerbate a braking pull or cause a general wandering feeling that becomes more pronounced under braking.
    • Action: A full suspension inspection is recommended if brake components are ruled out.

When to See a Shop: This issue significantly impacts safety. You should take your Lancer to a qualified mechanic immediately. They can perform a thorough inspection of your brake system, including checking for sticking calipers, pad wear, and fluid flow, to accurately diagnose and repair the problem.

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