Car pulls lightly to the left when braking.

Factual Questions
1

I noticed the car (2008 Prius) pulls lightly to the left when braking.

I had a tire of about 9 months of age on the driver front and 3 original, 3 year old, 46,000 mile tires everywhere else.

I had a flat on the passenger front while on a road trip and drove on the spare for about 100 miles, but only used the brakes about three times during that time. I got a used tire on the passenger front and drove on that for about 1000 miles. About then, I noticed the pull and figured it was likely tire related. So, I bought 3 new tires of the same kind as the 9 month old tire, and it still pulled lightly to the left when braking. I had all the tires rotated, and still feel the pull.

The alignment seems good. I only deviate when braking.

Do I need to have the brakes examined? Is a light pull something to worry about?

2

I would have it looked at. It can only get worse. I would hardly expect to some of the problems, such as a sticking caliper or bad brake hose, in a 3 year old car, but something is wrong.

Checking the tires was a good first step.

3

Even new vehicles can come with braking issues: I’m taking my 2010 RV into Ford tomorrow for just this problem. I’d get it looked at before it turns into a real issue for you.

4

Typically, this symptom would be caused by weak braking on the right side or a loose/worn suspension component moving.

I believe the Prius uses regenerative braking (electrical drag used to recharge the battery pack whilst slowing the vehicle), in which case it may actually be an electrical problem.

I don’t think you have an urgent problem, but I agree that it’s wise to have it checked out. In this case, a Toyota dealer or hybrid specialist may be the best bet.

5

A pull in either direction, but only on braking, generally means something wrong with the front brake on the side it pulls away from, making it a bit weak, or the side it pulls toward, making it a bit over-strong. Might be a serious problem starting to develop, but also might be a minor, easily fixed, adjustment needs to be made. Get it checked in case it’s the first.

6

Is there an easy way to test static braking force? Can would gauge tape work?

7

the last few vehicles I worked on with a pull under braking either had a stuck caliper on one side or a worn outer tie rod.

8

Regenerative braking in hybrid vehicles happens in the transmission. The brakes are just regular old brakes, same as any other car. I can’t see how any electrical issue would cause one side to brake more/less than the other.

9

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, bleed the front brakes and see if that does it.

10

Since regenerative braking has been eliminated then there are only 2 possibilities. air in the right brake or a stuck caliper. The caliper could be grooved so the piston sticks or the mechanism itself needs lubricating so it slides back and forth.

If it’s a worn tie rod end then I would expect the car to shake when lightly braking.

11

Less NPR on the radio. More Rush Limbaugh.

12

He’s a “car guy”? And all this time I thought he was talking about politics… :smack:

Guess I’ll have to listen to him, tomorrow. My “check engine” light has been on for a couple of weeks.

13

If the tires are of equal diameter and inflation, I’d look elsewhere, specifically the brakes. Maybe one side has a partially stuck caliper or the pads are crystallized. If you are due for a brake job, get that done and check again. It will probably go away. Uneven braking is my best guess.

PS> You could stagger the tire pressure 3-4# and make it feel better.

14

I hope you have a lot of cash.
I had an older van with this very problem: got new calipers, brakes, etc…nothing worked. IIRC, I spent 1000 bucks within a 2 week period, with no results.
It sounds like tie rod or spring to me, however. IANACG (car guy), however.

Best wishes,
hh

15

.
Did u end up finding out what the problem was

16

I have the same problem on an 1998 ford falcon au forte it pulls to the right as soon as u hit the brake u have to use the steer wheel to the left to compassionate for the turn if u don’t it locks up

17

Please note this is a “zombie” thread from over 6 years ago … the folks commenting may not be around to answer you …

The answer to the original question was that for a three years old car, they should have it checked out by a qualified mechanic …

For a nineteen year old car … it’s an absolute MUST you have this checked out … drive this vehicle VERY SLOWLY to the nearest brake mechanic … be ready to spend MONEY for repairs … this could be a VERY dangerous situation and of no small odds either of this being life-threatening … don’t chance it … get it fixed …