Truck pulls to left when braking

Heh yeah, those suckers really shoot out! Was funny cuz when we were doing it the same thing happened. I was trying to press it out and it was just spreading the control arm out. I was like, "hey (to my brother), hit er with a hammer!" First hit, POP!! There goes the bushing, and there goes the jack slamming to the ground. Lucky my toes weren't under it. Woulda been cursing for hours. Lol. Probly shoulda told you to put it on a table. We had it clamped and suspended over the side of the table. Didn't think it would pop out like THAT. Ha.

 

Oh and you say no more pulling too?? Wish that was the case with mine. I am leaning towards brake related. Just haven't got around to checking it all out yet. Glad you got it fixed! Alignment related issues always bug the crap out of me. If it's not 100% after an alignment, it's going back. Maybe I'll get lucky and just a good flush and bleed will cure it.

 

Here is the link to the video I made for removing the bushings...enjoy.

1st Gen Taco LCA Bushing Removal

 

lol. that was great

I love when the simplest things using the simplest tools gives you a kick. We just invested in a shop press too. Although this is easier than a press! My next 'press' job is going to be my wheel bearings. Should be fun..

 

Hi, this thread has been super helpful to me. I just purchased a 2001 extra cab SR5. It has the same pulling to the left problem. I suspect the lower control arm bushings as well. However, if that's not the problem, I'm wondering if NightProwler can tell me what he ultimately found to be the problem. Was it brakes after afterall?

Thanks,
Manyhelmets

 

Mine did turn out to be the brakes. The caliper itself was just freezing up. I have since replaced everything suspension and brake related though. I would say you could try diagnosing it by taking your caliper off and inspecting it. Maybe rebuild it/clean it out (so the pistons move freely again if they are in fact the culprit). And there is a method to checking your bushings but can't remember it atm. I'd suspect the caliper to be the culprit though. Either task is equally involved. I just opted to replace everything. For how old the truck is, I'd go into it assuming its all original or at best overdue for fresh parts/maintenance. To me it was just easier (and worth it) to replace all the bushings, suspension, brakes(tundra brakes up front and ALL new rears). Even the tac weld mod for the steering shaft i did a while back. And she drives like a dream now.

Id seriously consider the tundra brakes if i were you. Not too expensive over aftermarket. There's a whole kit and its pretty easy to do. Theres a little hassle with the brake lines though(which is the only thing not included) depending which kit you do get. Do a search on the forums for the tundra brake upgrade. Youll find lots of info on it. Lca bushings arent too bad. Not sure about the uca's.

 

NightProwler, thanks for the reply. I reckon it's the calipers or lca bushings. I've only had the rig for a couple days so haven't had a chance to to inspect those components yet, but replacing both would likely be ideal. The steering is a bit vague, so I'm thinking suspension. Will post back what I find.