INSPECTION PROCEDURE 1: Vehicle Pulls to One Side When Brakes are Applied: Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

STEP 1. Check for oil, water, etc., on the pad or lining contact surface of all brakes.
Q: Is oil, water, etc., on the pad or lining contact surface?

YES : Replace the part and determine and repair source/cause of foreign material. Then go to Step 8.

NO: Go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check the lining and brake drum contact. < Vehicles equipped with rear drum brake >
1. If equipped with rear disc brake, go to Step 5.
2. Put chalk on the inner surface of the brake drum. Rub the lining against the drum inner surface.
  NOTE: Clean off chalk after check.
Q: Does the lining wipe off or smudge the chalk across the full width of the lining?

YES : Go to Step 3.

NO: Replace the shoe and lining assemblies on both sides. Then go to Step 4.

Fig 1: Putting Chalk On Inner Surface Of Brake Drum
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
STEP 3. Check the auto adjuster function (Refer to AUTO ADJUSTER FUNCTION CHECK .)
Q: Is there fault?

YES : Repair it. Then go to Step 8.

NO: Go to Step 4.
STEP 4. Check the brake drum inside diameter (Refer to BRAKE LINING AND BRAKE DRUM CONTACT CHECK .)
Q: Is the brake drum inside diameter outside of specifications?

YES : Replace the part. Then go to Step 8.

NO: Go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check disc brake pistons for smooth operation.
1. With engine not running, depress the brake pedal rapidly several times to deplete booster vacuum reserves.
2. Test each disc brake assembly one at a time.
  1. Remove the lower caliper bolt, then remove caliper from mount.
  2. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal. Confirm piston(s) extend slowly and smoothly with no jumpiness. Repeat for each disc brake assembly.
Q: Do (does) the piston(s) move correctly?

YES : Go to Step 6.

NO: Disassemble and inspect brake assembly (Refer to DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY and/or DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY ). Then go to Step 8.
STEP 6. Check brake disc(s) for run out (Refer to DISC BRAKE ROTOR CHECK or REAR DISC BRAKE RUN-OUT CHECK AND CORRECTION ).
Q: Is runout outside of specifications?

YES : Repair and replace as necessary. Then go to Step 8.

NO: Go to Step 7.
STEP 7. Check brake discs for correct thickness (Refer to BRAKE DISC THICKNESS CHECK ).
Q: Is the thickness outside of specifications?

YES : Repair or replace as necessary. Then go to Step 8.

NO: Go to Step 8.
STEP 8. Retest the system.
Q: Is the symptom eliminated?

YES : Diagnosis is complete.

NO: Start over at Step 1. If a new symptom appears, refer to the symptom chart.