General Uno problem

[UnoMia]

My Uno 1100 has an odd problem and I've tried everything I can think of to sort it!
When driving, it sometimes feels like the brakes are binding, but not all the time. Also when braking from above 40mph the car briefly pulls to the right and then corrects itself, this is a very small pull but it never used to do this. Also the problem is most noticable when turning a right hand corner, the car feels like the brakes have been applied and if allowed to coast to a stop with the clutch in it will come to a dead stop as if the brakes are on.
So far I've checked the following:
Stripped front and rear brakes, cleaned all parts and found nothing wrong.
Checked wheel bearings and balljoints, all okay.
Checked tierod ends and play in steering rack, all okay.
Drove car full lock in both directions, no clicking from CV joints.
There is also no noise from the transmission or dif.
The car dosn't make any unusual noises.
I've noticed the fuel consumption seems a bit higher than normal but this would be if something were binding.
I'm wondering if it could be CV joints, even though they are not making any noise on cornering. Could a siezed joint cause this problem?
If anyone has any ideas or has had this happen to them I'd be interested to know. Thanks in advance.

 

[alexGS]

My Uno 1100 has an odd problem and I've tried everything I can think of to sort it!
When driving, it sometimes feels like the brakes are binding, but not all the time. Also when braking from above 40mph the car briefly pulls to the right and then corrects itself, this is a very small pull but it never used to do this. Also the problem is most noticable when turning a right hand corner, the car feels like the brakes have been applied and if allowed to coast to a stop with the clutch in it will come to a dead stop as if the brakes are on.
So far I've checked the following:
Stripped front and rear brakes, cleaned all parts and found nothing wrong.
Checked wheel bearings and balljoints, all okay.
Checked tierod ends and play in steering rack, all okay.
Drove car full lock in both directions, no clicking from CV joints.
There is also no noise from the transmission or dif.
The car dosn't make any unusual noises.
I've noticed the fuel consumption seems a bit higher than normal but this would be if something were binding.
I'm wondering if it could be CV joints, even though they are not making any noise on cornering. Could a siezed joint cause this problem?
If anyone has any ideas or has had this happen to them I'd be interested to know. Thanks in advance.

YES!
I have seen this happen once when a front brake flexible hose breaks down internally and becomes restricted (or when the brake hose is damaged by having the caliper hang on it accidentally, etc.)

The reason makes sense when you think about it. The fluid can be forced through a restricted hose under pressure (and apply the brake), but the brake cannot force the fluid back when the pedal is released, so the brake stays on. Or, above 40mph, perhaps there is just enough run-out in the brake disc so that the pads push the piston/fluid back (but not at lower speeds).

I know this is an odd one but as you say you have checked/inspected the front brakes (and, I presume, tried using the pedal to push the caliper piston out, make sure it's not rusty, then use a G-clamp to push the piston back in), I think you should try a replacement of the brake hoses (or maybe just the right-side brake hose).

Just an idea though But definitely do something about it because a binding brake will quickly overheat the fluid and you may find yourself with no brake at all on that wheel

-Alex

 

[UnoMia]

YES!
I have seen this happen once when a front brake flexible hose breaks down internally and becomes restricted (or when the brake hose is damaged by having the caliper hang on it accidentally, etc.)

The reason makes sense when you think about it. The fluid can be forced through a restricted hose under pressure (and apply the brake), but the brake cannot force the fluid back when the pedal is released, so the brake stays on. Or, above 40mph, perhaps there is just enough run-out in the brake disc so that the pads push the piston/fluid back (but not at lower speeds).

I know this is an odd one but as you say you have checked/inspected the front brakes (and, I presume, tried using the pedal to push the caliper piston out, make sure it's not rusty, then use a G-clamp to push the piston back in), I think you should try a replacement of the brake hoses (or maybe just the right-side brake hose).

Just an idea though But definitely do something about it because a binding brake will quickly overheat the fluid and you may find yourself with no brake at all on that wheel

-Alex

Thanks Alex, you are spot on! I took the front calipers off again and found that one was partially siezed. It took a hell of a lot of pressure on the pedel to push it out when it was off the disk and a lot of force with a G clamp to make it retract again. After a bit of trying it suddenly went back in smoothly. I tried it a couple more times and it seemd okay. I'll keep an eye on it and maybe I'll have to replace the hoses and calipers if it happens again. Once again, thanks for your advice.

 

[alexGS]

Thanks Alex, you are spot on! I took the front calipers off again and found that one was partially siezed. It took a hell of a lot of pressure on the pedel to push it out when it was off the disk and a lot of force with a G clamp to make it retract again. After a bit of trying it suddenly went back in smoothly. I tried it a couple more times and it seemd okay. I'll keep an eye on it and maybe I'll have to replace the hoses and calipers if it happens again. Once again, thanks for your advice.

No worries. Sounds like the seal was caught up on some rust or something. Or it could be a hydraulic problem - perhaps the hose was blocked but now isn't. Hope it continues to work OK

-Alex