What Could be the Problem...?

[titelines]

My truck is pulling to the left. Not so bad when going 50 mph+, but at lower speeds it's very noticeable. The other day (while stuck in traffic) I applied the brakes, held the steering wheel only lightly, and the truck veered sharply to the left.

- I have checked the tire pressures, all is good.

- I have had the tires rotated and balanced, didn't solve the problem.

- I had an alignment, it still happens.

What could be causing this? Any ideas on what I should look at next?

Thanks!

[Macgyver55]

Could be a brake hanging up and not releasing fully. Have you raised it up and checked for free rotation of the wheels?

Or, if it only pulls when you apply the brakes maybe a caliper is seized and not braking on one side. Also, have you checked rear axle seals for leaking?

I recently ran into a vehicle that pulled right after the owner did his own brake repair. After pulling wheels and drums I found that he had accidently put both primary shoes on one side and both secondary shoes on the other.

[Billy_Burbout]

i have a 2500hd crewcab chevy that was doing the same thing but pulling to the right. tried everything you did and nothing. it ended up being a wheel bearing. happened last winter so i dont remember what it cost but it wasnt too much. to see if that is the problem just jack up the driver side tire off the ground and see if you can pull it, wiggle it, toward you side to side with your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock. if it doesnt move it is good. then try the same thing on passenger side.

[deadeye]

What kind of truck is it?

[jwhjr]

My thought is brake issue or wheel bearing as well since you had alignment done and tires rotated.

[titelines]

Thanks for the ideas/replies. I'll have some time this weekend so I think I'll start checking some of the things you have suggested.

@ deadeye - It's a Nissan Xterra.

Thanks again!

[titelines]

Just wanted to provide an update for those who are interested.

I checked the brakes, that was not it. Bearings were fine, as were the calipers.

Stumped, I decided to take a good look at the tires. Sure enough, the front tires were starting to get a little ply separation, which was causing some small bubbling. This threw the tires a bit off, causing them to become less perfectly round and caused the pull and the steering wheel shudder.

Went in and got a brand new set and, problem solved!!

Funny! Sometimes the problem is right in front of you, but it's the last thing you check.

Thanks again for all the replies.

[Macgyver55]

I have had the tires rotated and balanced, didn't solve the problem.

I dont know about the other posters but your earlier comment kind of threw me off. Normally when you do this the problem will change or follow the bad tire.

Glad you found the problem!

[Scott K]

Or the person that rotated and balanced the tires should have noticed this!