Front Struts, Not Brakes Causing Pull To One Side

[Mybikes a cx500]

Iv'e had a problem with what I thought were the brakes, with the car pulling to one side when braking.

I checked for a stuck pad or piston at the front, and all seemed well, then I noticed that when I released the brakes when pulling to a stop, the steering wheel would move back the other way a bit, which I couldn't equate with the brakes!

Got someone to move the car forward and backwards, and sure enough, the front wheels moved back and forward about 5 mm.

I have a pair of strut rods that came with the car, so changed one today, big job, for me, but got one side done, without having to disturb the brakes, see this chap's video on YouTube:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wno2u8JgjPU

Quick test round the block suggests its much better, need to do the other side now...

[lordturns]

Ian,

wonder if I have the same issue? for example: when approaching a junction and depressing the brake pedal gently I can hear a noise and feel something (through the pedal) fouling or catching something else momentarily at the front of the car. Thinking this may be the brakes, I had a mechanic check pads, discs and that calipers/pistons were functioning as they should. He cleaned everything up and then re-assembled. Everything is ok with the brakes and they still have a long way to go before they need replacement.

Tracking and balancing on the front was checked and adjusted earlier on this year when I had new Falkens fitted to the rear plus the front tyres are just coming up for one year old.I have hence ruled out brakes, tyres and so on - the noise/fouling is still going on and I must admit I am baffled - needs to be fixed though as the car does feel slightly unsettled at the front and more noticeable when speeds of 60+mph are reached.....

Hmmmm.

[Mybikes a cx500]

Have an assistant put the car in D, roll forward a bit, and then brake, then R, roll back a bit, and brake.

You watch the gap between the tyre and the body.

I have only done one side so far, haven't had the chance to check as above as yet.

Still got a bit of a pull to the side on light braking, but then its straight on continued heavier braking

[Mybikes a cx500]

Jeremy,

Just done the stop go reverse test and my observer tells me the side Iv'e done is not moving and the other side is def. moving.

What sort of mileage on your car?

[lordturns]

Ian,

I will have to do this test, something is definitely not right - only 79k miles....won't be long until I head off to Japex for service and inspection.

[Ruud]

5mm play back and forwards? That would be a 1cm play from a bush? That sounds quite excessive .......

I would think a knock or instable front when going over light bumps would be present as well?

[Mybikes a cx500]

5mm play back and forwards? That would be a 1cm play from a bush? That sounds quite excessive .......

I would think a knock or instable front when going over light bumps would be present as well?

I meant 5mm in total. There was an occasional knock if you went over a bump with just the right amount of cornering, the removed arm's bush has a deep split in it, but otherwise looked in good condition