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Wed Dec 18, 2002 6:58 pm

My bus has pulled to the left under braking since i got it not too long ago. Today I decided to fix it, so I pulled the right caliper off, split it, got the pistons moving and then rebuilt them with new seals, bolted it backtogether, and but it back on the bus. The left caliper seemed to be fine, and moving feely. I installed new pads; but in momentary lapse of concentration i got a bit of brake fluid (3 drops) on the face of one of the pads that was to go on the left side. As soon as I realized this I "brake kleened" it, and installed them. I took the van around the block and it pulled to the right now!! And still does it after a dozen or so hard stops to set the pads in. So my question is now; do you think that it pulls right because I contaminated one of the left side pads or because I didn't rebuild the left side caliper?? And if you think it is the pad, is there anything i can do to save it (heat it, clean it ect.) or am I off to the parts place for another set of pads??
thanks for the help! Busnerd.

Thu Dec 19, 2002 6:01 am

Semi metallic and metallic pads can often be cleaned if done ASAP after a drop or two. If you pull them and there is any chance they are still contaminated, I would replace them- pads are cheap. I would rebuild the other caliper. Anytime you do one side it is by far best to do both so that one isn't overpowering the other. You also know when the rebuild was done so you can plan ahead. Anytime I am rebuilding calipers, I go ahead and replace the neoprene brake lines too. Brake lines begin to absorb fluid after a few years and they swell, restricting flow through them.

I like to keep in mind what a mechanic once told me- if it won't go, that won't kill you; if it won't stop, that can!

Thu Dec 19, 2002 12:36 pm

I agree. What you do to one, you have to do to the other to equal everything out. And for another $30 or less, you should replace the flex lines. If your pads (old) weren't too worn, I would have replaced the neoprene lines first. I've seen it as well as expereniced it too many times where a flex line was bad and screwing everything up. Good luck.

Thu Dec 19, 2002 5:11 pm

Thanks for the tips guys. I have rebuilt the left caliper and that has straightened the stopping path of the van, I will also replace the flex lines asap. Seems like a good investment for my safety.
thanks again

busnerd.