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Braking should bring your truck to a smooth, straight stop—but what if it suddenly veers to one side? Whether your truck pulls to the right or left during braking, it's a clear sign that something isn't functioning as it should. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, this issue can pose serious safety risks on the road, especially when hauling heavy loads or driving at high speeds.

That’s why, Amigo Tyres—trusted for truck wheel alignment in Rocklea —decided

to share everything you need to know why a truck might pull right or left. Let’s get started with 9 potential reasons!

Why Does a Truck Pull to One Side When Braking?

When your truck pulls to the right or left while braking, it usually indicates an imbalance in the braking system or issues with the suspension, tires, or alignment. Here are the most common reasons:

Uneven Brake Pad Wear

Uneven brake pad wear is one of the most common causes of pulling. If one side's brake pads are thinner than the other, the braking force becomes unbalanced. This makes one wheel apply more pressure than the other, causing the truck to swerve.

What to do: Have your brake pads inspected regularly. If one side is wearing faster, it may be time to replace them or check for underlying issues in the braking system.

Stuck or Seized Caliper

A sticking brake caliper on one side can cause the truck to pull towards that side when braking. The caliper might be failing to release properly, creating excessive drag and uneven braking force.

What to do: A mechanic can check if the caliper pistons are functioning correctly and clean or replace the caliper as needed.

Brake Hose Damage or Collapse

A damaged or internally collapsed brake hose may restrict fluid flow to the caliper. If the fluid doesn’t reach one caliper properly, that brake won’t function efficiently, causing the vehicle to pull to the opposite side.

What to do: Brake hoses should be checked for wear, cracks, or internal swelling. If found faulty, replacement is essential.

Contaminated Brake Pads or Rotors

Oil, grease, or brake fluid on the rotors or pads can reduce the friction necessary for effective braking. If one side of the brake system is contaminated, it will underperform, causing the truck to pull toward the cleaner, more effective side.

What to do: Clean the braking surfaces or replace contaminated pads and rotors.

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Suspension or Steering Issues

Your truck’s suspension and steering systems are closely linked to braking behavior. Worn-out control arms, ball joints, bushings, or tie rods can affect the way your wheels respond under braking, making the vehicle pull.

What to do: Have a technician inspect the suspension and steering components. If these parts are loose or damaged, they should be replaced immediately.

Uneven Tire Pressure or Wear

Tires with uneven tread wear or different pressure levels can cause your truck to behave unpredictably under braking. A tire with lower pressure or more wear will offer less traction, causing the vehicle to pull toward the side with more grip.

What to do: Check and maintain even tire pressure. Rotate your tires regularly and replace them when worn unevenly.

Wheel Alignment Issues

Incorrect wheel alignment can affect braking dynamics. If the wheels are not properly aligned, the truck may pull even with a balanced brake system, especially when braking hard.

What to do: Get a professional wheel alignment done. This can improve overall handling, reduce tire wear, and eliminate pulling.

Brake Line Air Pockets

If air enters the brake lines, it can disrupt hydraulic pressure during braking. This can cause inconsistent braking force on different sides of the truck.

What to do: Bleed the brake system to remove any air bubbles and restore consistent pressure.

Faulty Wheel Bearings

Worn or damaged wheel bearings can cause a wheel to wobble or resist movement, especially under braking stress. This might lead to the vehicle pulling toward the faulty side.

What to do: Listen for grinding noises or feel for wheel play. Have your wheel bearings inspected and replaced if needed.

Truck Pulling to Right or Left Conclusion

When your truck pulls to one side during braking, it’s not just a nuisance—it’s a warning sign that something needs immediate attention. Diagnosing the exact cause requires careful inspection, and in most cases, the expertise of a professional mechanic.

If you are in Rocklea or driving through it, we recommend visiting Amigo Tyres and let our team of experts realign your truck wheels in the right direction.

For those who don’t know, Amigo Tyres is a Rocklea-based truck tyre shop that supports truckers and businesses with truck tyre replacement, repair, cleaning, and mobile services. We also have a washing station now!

Still got any queries to ask? Contact us today to have them answered by our tyre experts! 

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