Brake Bias?

[CROYCE992]

I have noticed that under heavy breaking my car fishtails to the left every single time. Under normal breaking, it is not noticeable at all. It is just when I have to break hard to avoid the casual "new driver" who fails to look before exiting a driveway or decides to jump in front of me of cut me off that my car brakes but the rear fishtails always to the right.

What's wrong with my car? It is time to do maintenance on my drums and I need new pads but I am thinking that this is related to something else. I could perhaps get it checked out when I have the maintenance done.

[96paseo]

Originally Posted by CROYCE992

I have noticed that under heavy breaking my car fishtails to the left every single time. Under normal breaking, it is not noticeable at all. It is just when I have to break hard to avoid the casual "new driver" who fails to look before exiting a driveway or decides to jump in front of me of cut me off that my car brakes but the rear fishtails always to the right.

What's wrong with my car? It is time to do maintenance on my drums and I need new pads but I am thinking that this is related to something else. I could perhaps get it checked out when I have the maintenance done.

Are your rear wheels locking up when under heavy braking? To fishtail, I'd think you'd have to lock the wheels up unless you've got a tire thats really low on air pressure. Any tire screeching or skidding? Just trying to clarify your symptoms here.

[CROYCE992]

I am not sure whether or not the wheels are locking up or not. I have my stock steel wheels on for the winter and after putting them on I had them all torqued and the proper psi of air put in at the local Discount Tire. There was one circumstance when the roads were dry and I had to brake hard after putting on my steel wheels and it fishtailed to the right. It has never to the left ever. The same thing happens during the summer when I have my summer set on too.


edit: off topic but how is that Rtech voltage stabilizer working out for you?

[73sport]

All things being equal (after inspection of the brake lining materials, pistons, calipers, hardware ect at all four coners), I'd have the brakes bled to remove air bubbles and moisture accumulation. Should be done to remove moisture and contaminants every 24 months unless you like to buy brake parts.

A bubble in a line could reduce pressure and cause this type of issue.

Also check all for strut dampners. A bad shock/strut can make a corner dive, the other side lift and whosshhhhhhh out of control. . . .

Edit: a weak or saging spring would not be helpful either during max braking effort.

[Mike Gerber]

Just a hunch here. It can also be contamination on the left rear brake shoes/drum. Remove the left rear wheel and drum and check for a leaking wheel cylidner that is leaking brake fluid on to the shoes. This would make the right rear drum brake apply a lot more braking force on that wheel, causing the rear of the car to fishtail to the right.

Mike

[Kenny_McCormic]

The car goes right because the road grade goes that way.

[JohnGD]

I'd bleed the system first. Also clean/lube and inspect the calipers/drums, rubber brake hoses.