Car pulls to one side when braking
When your car suddenly veers off course when you hit the brakes, it significantly increases the risk of an accident. The problem usually lies in the braking system working unevenly on different sides of the vehicle.
Likely causes — most common first
Stuck or seized brake caliper
Most often, dirt and moisture cause the moving parts of the caliper (the parts that press the brake pads against the disc) to stop moving freely. As a result, one wheel brakes constantly or much harder than the other, creating a difference in braking force.
Faulty caliper guide pins
The guide pins can lose their movement due to dried-out grease or damaged dust covers. This prevents the brake pads from retracting after you release the pedal or causes them to tilt during braking.
Contaminated brake pads and discs
If brake fluid or oil gets onto the friction surface of the pads or discs, the friction coefficient drops sharply. The wheel with clean brakes stops more effectively, and the car inevitably pulls to one side.
Uneven tyre pressure or worn suspension
This can be caused by simple differences in front tyre pressure or worn bushings in the suspension arms. Under braking, the load increases, and a worn part allows the wheel to shift.
