Whenever I hit the brakes hard, it pulls to the right. I've had this problem before, and it's always been brake shoe bushings/rollers that are rusting causeing the "actuation" to not work properly, making the brake grabby. This is definitely different. If I go dead straight, hit the brakes, the steering wheel STAYS straight. This tells me, along with "watching" the slacks as the brakes are applied, that it is NOT the brakes.

The problem seems to be when the suspension is actuating up/down. Could be steering maybe? end links? King pins are fine, so are wheel bearings and spindles. Sometimes if I hit a big bump or pothole it will dart to the right just a bit. But its the worst when I'm bobtailing(seems to be more weight transfer then).

The truck was also just aligned.

 

BUMPSTEER, Goggle it . Too complicated to explain

 

Yeah I know what bumpsteer is. But it shouldn't happen when you are going straight on a smooth surface and hit the brakes. Usually bumpsteer will pull on the steering wheel as well.

 

Bumpsteer only happens when your turning and you hit a bump.

Could be bad tie-rod ends, kingpins, shackles (or shackle bushings), or maybe even a bent or cracked frame.

Could also be a bad tire as well.

 

You didn't say anything about brake drums. How are you in that department?

 

I think they're about 70% left, no leaking wheel seals. I just changed the tie rods, I'm going for a spin tonight.

Thanks for the input, I'll keep you guys updated.

 

Also check for loose u bolts and or a broken center bolt. Could also be a broken spring eye where it wraps around front spring pin. Seen several broken that is not easy to see because of the wrap leaf
A few thoughts

 

I'll be looking at the front springs very closely. I'm going to replace the brake chambers just in case.

Thanks for the input.

 

I don't think it's the springs. Wouldn't they clunk or make some sort of sound?

I pulled off the drums again today, this time I sanded down any glaze on the drums/shoes. Drove it again, same thing.

Then I backed off the right side about half a turn. Now it pulled to the left but it felt different. Next application it felt almost neutral, but it actually pulled to the left first, then pulled to the right! Next application same old thing, pulling to the right.

I still don't think its the brakes. I noticed the right side kingpin might be worn. I'll check it with a gauge tomorrow, as per meritors site(max .001 play, side-side)

 

Sounds mysterious!
Let us know when you'll find out what it is! :roll: