Pulls to left under braking conditions

[MickeyMouse]

Truck: '93 4Runner w/3.0L v6 4wd

Over the past week my runner has picked up a nasty pull to the left under braking conditions. It doesn't happen when I first get in, it shows up after driving for a bit and warming up the brakes.

I checked the brake pads on both sides and they look brand new, but the front left had one show that was maybe a 1/16" smaller than the other. After looking at it, looks like the caliper may have been pulling. I replaced the caliper with a new one ($45 at Autozone). Once I got it installed, the problem is still there, so now I have no idea what is causing the problem.

Thoughts?

 

[jharris2]

While you were in there, did you check to see if the left pads had any contamination on them? I've seen brake fluid leak on to a pad and it gave those symptoms.

 

[MickeyMouse]

No, it looked really clean. Matter of fact, I've owned the truck for two months now and they looked new.

Before I give Toyota $1,000 for repairs (I can't get out of there for under a grand), I think I will replace all front pads, the right calaper also and maybe even put new rotors on also in case the left one is out of round for some reason.

 

[mikes4runner]

For $45 you might as well change the other one. The old ones sometimes the brake pistons freeze up.
Bleed your brake system too.
Check your tire pressure too.

good luck.

 

[jharris2]

Before I give Toyota $1,000 for repairs (I can't get out of there for under a grand), I think I will replace all front pads, the right calaper also and maybe even put new rotors on also in case the left one is out of round for some reason.

An alternative you might consider is a brake specialty shop. Around here, there is one in particular that will do the checkout for free...several folks I work with have used them with good results.

 

[coolio]

pulss left

i would change both calipers to be sure...cheap insurance...my 95 does the same thing after replacing pads and rotors last weekend, 1 of 8 was frozen while installing pads, managed to break it free with c-clamps but dont think it works, that the next $150 job.