truck pulls hard right when i apply the brakes???

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by truckerdave1970, Feb 27, 2011.

  1. truckerdave1970

    truckerdave1970 On Probation

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    Ok someone refresh my memory!
    What defect would cause the truck to pull hard to the right every time I apply the brakes and goes straight as soon as I get off the pedal???

    I don't SEE any obvious defect on the front axle. What am I missing????
     
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  3. rambler

    rambler Road Train Member

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    A brake adjusted tighter on one side would be my first place to look.
     
  4. james3505

    james3505 Light Load Member

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    yep one brake is tighter than the other.

    5 min and a 7/16 wrench will fix it
     
  5. truckerdave1970

    truckerdave1970 On Probation

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    I will check for that again but I wonder if it is something else.
     
  6. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    More than likely the left slack adjuster is backing off, adjustment won't fix,replace it.
     
  7. Diogenes

    Diogenes Light Load Member

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    If the problem came on rather suddenly, I'd suspect something other than just improper brake adjustment unless you've had recent brake work. The hard pull of the steering hints that the problem is more likely to be with the front brakes than the rear.

    Brakes do get out of adjustment and linings wear, but did the problem start slowly and get worse over time? If not, I'd check for a leaking wheel seal and oil on the left side brake linings.

    I've had the same problem and sure enough, the brake shoes on the left side were saturated with oil. I replaced the wheel seals and shoes; problem solved.

    Don't even try to clean brake shoes with solvent once they've been exposed to oil. The linings are porous, the oil soaks in and if the surface looks clean, heat just brings more oil to the surface.

    I wish you BOL. :biggrin_25525:
     
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  8. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    the opposite side isn't working right...would be one thought.
    could be oil on the linings, could be a broken air can, could be the s-cam snapped off...check the opposite side.

    your brakes are not balanced, but when you release the brake pedal, the right side gets it traction and this is why you are going straight when you release the brake pedal.
     
  9. Diogenes

    Diogenes Light Load Member

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    I like the air chamber idea a bunch, Rerun. A small hole in the rubber pancake could very well be the cause. Have someone else apply the brakes hard, listen for leaks and measure the stroke. I blew one of those too. :biggrin_25524:
     
  10. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    You have to remember the brakes are applied in a loss of air application. We know the right side is working and the left side is staying open.

    I'd guess you broke an S-cam rod. With the S-cam broke, the shoe return springs would pull the shoes away from the drum continuously.

    First have someone apply the brakes and make sure the S-cam rod is turning at the slack adjuster.
    Yes, then you're gonna have to pull the drum off to inspect to make sure the S-cam didn't break off.
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2011
  11. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

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    The Cap on the Hub, Is leaking real bad, and if it gets on the shoes, that will cause it to slip. Just a guess. I would have to really be there and look at it. There are some Driver Mechanics on this site that are real good, maybe they can help. Along side each avatar, under your Name, (Road Train Member), It would be
    Nice to see the Name, Driver Mechanic, Driver Instructor, would be nice to have them identified, in Green or some other color, So we can recognize these drivers immediately, and Possibly ask them a question. With out these guys, we are hurting.
    They are a MUST in this industry. And to have them on this board, Is a honor, They earned it.
     
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