I have a 2002 Dakota 4X4 and when I brake the truck pulls to the left. I verified the calipers and both pistons retract fine. There was some dirt on the caliper carriers but had them cleaned and truck still pulls to left when braking. Also checked tire pressure and that was ok. Any ideas out there as to what might be the cause?

Thanks

 

Does it track straight in normal driving? I would think if it was out of alignment somewhat that when the brakes were actuated, it would have some tendencey to pull.

Also could be worn suspension components.

 

I agree it could be worn suspension components. Also have pads been changed recently? Have you checked brake fluid level? It is possible you have got an air pocket in the brake lines. When was last time you bled your brakes? These are all possibilities. Have you had your upper ball joints replaced by dealership since the recall on your truck? The lowers are not part of the recall, so if there is something wrong with them they are out of your pocket. Answer these ?'s and we'll either find your problem or at least eliminate a bunch of possibilities. One more too. When was last time wheels were balanced? Just because calipers compress, doesn't mean they are good either.

 

I had the pads changed recently and one shock was changed under warranty, (it was leaking). Ball joints were also changed by the recall. I had the front end checked and everything is tight. I'll checkout the other things mentioned.

Thanks for the help.

 

I would have the calipers changed. It sounds like the calipers are bad. When calipers go bad, they will not produce enough pressure, the seal will start to leak a bit, causeing the pressure to leak. It could also be the rotors are bad on one side.

 

I had the same problem today after I had the pads and rotors changed and then the brakes got like manual feeling and it started to smoke real bad. I think a little futher and a fire would have occured. that is how hot the rotors got and the tire itself.
does anyone know what would cause something like that??

 

The calipers failed. Mine did that. I changed them and the problem went away.

 

Remember the calipers do NOT have to be leaking for them to not be working. Also if you have to change any of these: calipers, rotors, etc, even if the other side is good, ALWAYS change both sides at the same time.

 

Check your rear shoes also for a brake fluid leak. Yea, that's right. A rear shoe locking up
(but not smoken the tire) can and is a real problem from time to time and it *feels* like the
problem is the front brakes.

Worth a look at the very least.

 

Maybe a collapsed brake hose on one caliper.