Pulling to the left under braking :-(

[Blue]

Hi all

I noticed the other day that my Z seemed to be pulling to the left when braking firmly from a high speed, say 60 - 70mph. There's almost no movement in the steering wheel (it stays more or less dead ahead, with only perhaps a tiny move to the left) but the whole front of the car seems to dip and pull to the left at the same time, almost with a hint of roll to the left.

Any ideas? It is booked in for a full geometry check at Revolution tomorrow but if there's a fault with the suspension then this would seem to be a waste of money until it's fixed!

Pads looked low-ish the other day, but certainly a bit of meat left on each side.

 

[Markyboy]

I'd put my money on suspension damage from a pothole hit :x or possibly a seized/sticky brake calliper. Could be worth speaking to your local MOT chap and getting it on the rollers to see if there is a imbalance in the brakes before going for a full Geometry check.

How old is the car and what wheel/tyre config are you running?

 

[Blue]

2005 64K, 17" alloys with brand new Falken FK452s. I would blame the new tyres if the car hadn't started showing this symptom before I had them fitted!

The car seems to drive fine when not braking so I'm not sure if this helps to rule out suspension problems? Also, under lighter braking from lower speeds the problem doesn't show itself, it has to be firm braking from a decent speed to show it.

 

[Markyboy]

I'd certainly say its nothing to do with the Wheel/tyre combo providing all your tyre pressures are ok. If you were on 19"s with RFTs then could be a different story. Its possible that at that age you could have a sticking calliper, I'd check for that 1st.
Sure some of the more experienced forum bods will give some input in the morning!

 

[Blue]

Great, well hopefully Revolution are able to test for brake problems before relieving me of my cash for the geometry check!! I may swing past my local friendly garage and ask if they don't mind checking on the brake tester, although don't really want to bother them as the car is still under AUC warranty so if something is broke, it's going back to BMW!

 

[Markyboy]

Reading through again, at 64k, I'd also pay attention to the suspension bushes as well if they have not already been changed.

Mark

 

[Blue]

Bushes should be under AUC so that doesn't concern me too much then, of course it would render my geometry check a bit of a waste, may give them a ring before going through and see what they suggest.

 

[Blue]

Well, I'm pretty conclusive that it's a caliper. The left wheel is getting hot even if I barely touch the brakes, the right wheel is remaining cool after a drive.

Will give Cooper a ring tomorrow and get it booked in, let's hope the AUC warranty covers it!

 

[Markyboy]

Should be covered under the AUC warranty, calliper isn't a wear and tear item.

 

[Blue]

WIN - Got her back with a brand new calliper fitted under AUC warranty.

FAIL - Now she seems to be missing under acceleration in 2nd and 3rd. I've thought since I last filled her that she hasn't been right, hope this is just a bad tank of fuel and will clear up with a tank of V-Power