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Help with brakes pulling left...

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by maleko, Jun 16, 2007.

  1. Jun 16, 2007
    maleko

    maleko New Member

    Gig Harbor, WA
    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2005
    Messages:
    45
    Help me out diagnosing a brake issue. When I hit the front brakes with any force at all, the jeep pulls severely to the left. Jacking the front up shows that while both brakes are working, the right side is engaging way later than the left.

    This was a sudden thing that started happening. I've pulled both sides apart and replaced everything with new (even the backing plates - long story.) Got it together today, and it acts exactly the same.

    I could probably just work backwards and replace everything, but if you guys can point me in the most likely direction life would be much easier. Thanks
     
  2. Jun 16, 2007
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    Did you back up a few times to activate the self-adjusters?

    The usual problem with the Bendix drum brakes is improper assembly. You can't assume they wer put together right if the vehicle is new to you. Follow the pictures in the TSM. There's a right and a left self adjuster, and if you don't put them on their side, the self- adjusters won't adjust. Without self-adjusters, the brake that's tightest will grab first and pull to that side.
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2007
    JohnyWalker likes this.
  3. Jun 16, 2007
    $ sink

    $ sink Gazillians of posts

    Virginia Bch
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    Nov 25, 2004
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    did you replace the hoses? sometimes the lining can come loose and form a flap that acts like a check valve.
     
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  4. Jun 16, 2007
    kaiser_willys

    kaiser_willys Well-Known Member

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    :iagree: with both
     
  5. Jun 17, 2007
    maleko

    maleko New Member

    Gig Harbor, WA
    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2005
    Messages:
    45
    Thanks guys, but still scratching my head. Lines are all new within the last year or so, and all the parts are in the right place. Self adjusts are properly in place but I'll double check how they're working.

    Any other suggestions still helpful, but thanks.
     
  6. Jun 17, 2007
    trickpatrick

    trickpatrick Done? LOL

    North Idaho USA
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    Nov 29, 2006
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    838
    One slave cylinder could be bad....
     
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  7. Jun 17, 2007
    TexasBlues

    TexasBlues JEEP-Hockey-Holic

    Marietta, GA
    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2007
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    529
    a guy here at Turner 4WD (nothing but jeeps) told me that this is common to jeeps with the drums up front... i asked because mine USED to pull right, but is now pulling left sine i have installed new drums all around...

    his solution was to adjust the shoes on the guilty side aso that they dont grab so fast/hard...

    mine scared the %^%##% out of me too... in fact, no passengers allowed until i get it fixed....

    i am going to rebuild ALL of the brakes all the way around... new EVERYTHING... i just got my new stainless lines and braided hoses as well as cylinders for all...

    since we are on the topic, when i opened my box of new shiny brake lines, i noticed that onoe line is a larger diameter than the other... at the master cylinder connection (at least)... i am assuming that this line is for the rear drums....

    am i correct in this assumption?

    link to EXCELLENT jeep store in Atlanta... mostly mail order business, but Dan and Gene are very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable... i recommend them to everyone here

    www.thejeep.com
     
  8. Jun 18, 2007
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    6,193
    When I had 9" brakes I would have agreed. Once going to the 11" brakes they have always stopped straight and true.
     
  9. Jun 18, 2007
    willysnut

    willysnut Banned

    Newnan, Ga.
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    Oct 8, 2003
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    654

    x2.
     
  10. Jun 18, 2007
    Pokeman

    Pokeman Member

    Upstate, NY
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    Jun 13, 2007
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    206
    I have this same issue with my jeep. Right rear brake cylinder is bad. I have also heard that sometime people put the shoes on backwards and this causes jeeps to lock one tire up.
     
  11. Jun 22, 2007
    maleko

    maleko New Member

    Gig Harbor, WA
    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2005
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    45
    :oops:


    Just an update...

    "Yes," he said. "All the parts are in the right place." Yeah, I can tell left from right pretty well. Usually.

    Put the two primary shoes on one side, two secondary shoes on the other. Stared at the damned thing for half an hour until I saw it. Only way to make it more obvious would have been to paint it bright pink and put flashing lights on it. Anyway, works great now.

    Thanks all for the help.

    -M
     
  12. Jun 25, 2007
    TexasBlues

    TexasBlues JEEP-Hockey-Holic

    Marietta, GA
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    Jun 5, 2007
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    then i havent seen it...

    whats the difference?
     
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