Technical Brakes problem...again!!

[Drinu]

hi guys,
yet another brake problem has occured with my uno. This time when I press the brakes the car veers to the right. Its not a little however....I have managed to change lanes just by pressing the brake pedal. The car drives in a straight line without me holding the wheel...but once I press the brake I have to steer left to keep the car straight. Thing is I have to steer left by 45 degrees to keep it straight.

Anyone know how I can fix the problem? Brakes are newish (about 6 months).

Thanks for ur help
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[unoracer]

I am no mechanic, but based on my 'basic' knowledge, you possibly have a serious brake issue! You say you have had new brakes fitted about 6 months ago-were the pads and discs changed? If the pads and discs are still in good condition, then I would certainly check the calipers (the left caliper in particular) esp if the car veers violently to the right. It may be that the front left caliper is seized, and effectively not applying any brake effort to the left wheel, thus causing the car to veer to the right hand side. You can buy refurbed calipers for little over £50-00. ( I have just replaced one of mine on my uno turbo) It is possible that suspension components etc are insecure which can cause 'veering' problems, but I would get calipers etc checked out straight away! Hope you get your involuntary lane changing ailment sorted soon!

 

[5doorturbo]

perhaps the left brake isnt getting enough pressure...im no techy but i reckon bleeding the brakes first might be a good idea?

 

[Chas Uno]

I'd agree with both Unoracer and 5doorUnoTurbo, but I'd also check the sliding wedges that the calipers operate in. These can corrode and stick, causing the brakes to not work properly. In Drinu's case, I'd check the left caliper as it appears to not be supplying enough pressure when applied. Pull out the wedges, makes sure there are no burrs and rub off the corrosion with a file. Then smear some copper grease on them and refit.

If that doesn't do the trick, then the piston in the caliper itself maybe sticking causing the uneven braking.

If you work through the system logically you will soon find the fault. Good luck and let us know how you get on Drinu!

By the way, didn't you have problems when the new brakes were first fitted?

 

[Drinu]

thanks a lot guys...I really appreciate all the help. I would be lost without you.hehe.

I will doing the repairs next friday as I dont have any free time before that. I will try all the things you told me.

1986Uno45S: when I installed the discs, yes I did have problems. WHat was happening was that the disc was rubbing against the wishbone on full lock. I think this has caused the disc to warp and hence giving me a juddery feel through the pedal. Also, when stopping, its stops with jerks! I plan on changing both discs and pads. We'll see what happens then

Once again thanks and I will keep u updated.
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[Drinu]

hey guys,
its me again...well today I changed the front discs and pads...I also changed the brake hoses and rebled the whole brake system. Now the car works fine. When I have time I will check the thicknesses of the old discs to see if they were warped. Thanks to all those that helped me.