Truck Swerving When Brakes Applied

C

capirucho

New member
I have a 63 IH 1200. I recently got this truck and noticed that when I push the brake pedal deep, the truck swerves to the left.

Very scary the 1st time as I almost went into oncoming traffic. I googled this and it seems to be an issue of one of the brakes not gripping properly. Does that sound right?

When I got the truck, the owner told me he put on new brakes but that they still needed bleeding. Would you guys tackle that yourself or is it a 2 person job? Or would you take it to the shop?

Thank you.
 
capirucho said:
when I got the truck, the owner told me he put on new brakes but that they still needed bleeding. Would you guys tackle that yourself or is it a 2 person job? Or would you take it to the shop?

Thank you.
Click to expand...

And your driving it, please let me know when your on the road so I can keep out of your way.

It is a two person job, or one with the right equipment.......as it is brakes and you apparently are not familiar with doing this type of work go to a shop and have it done.

Brakes are something that anyone can learn to do, but must be done right...................and stop driving around :mad2: until you fix this...........
 
Yes, I drove it. Apologies. I'm not taking it out for joyrides but you're right, I shouldn't be driving it. I took it 3 blocks from my place to the shop for the tire change.

I'll take it there again for the brake job but I'll have it towed this time.

R
 
Swerving to either side can be a brake issue but also can be wheel alignment or worn tie rod ends or king pins, allowing the tires to 'toe out' when the brakes are applied. Check for loose wheel bearings.
 
This isnt an end of the world the truck is going to fall apart thing. I wouldnt even bother towing it to a shop. A few things you want to look for however is fluid level in the brake resevoir, make sure there is plenty in there but dont overfill. Hows the brake pedal feel as far as pressure? With the engine running, if you pump it a few times is it getting stiffer? How much free play do you have in the steering wheel when turning? These are some of the things to look at. Bleeding the brakes can be a one man job as well and can be done easily if you ask questions.
 
As state above and it could also be contaminants on the brake linings. Or it could simply be a light layer of rust on the drum on one of the drums. Dues it pull hard every time, or did it just surprise you because it wasn't expected? Did you just drive through a puddle? These things and more can affect drum brakes. That's part of the reason disks have replaced them.

Jack up the truck and adjust the brakes until there is a very light and equal drag on both front wheels. Then take it out and test it and see if it stops straight. Another fun trait of drum brakes is on first use after sitting for a while they can be quite grabby.
 
This thread wrapped up quickly with no resolution. Capirucho, did you solve the problem? Wreck it? What happened? What did you find?
 
I bleed solo almost always, either mighty vac, gravity bleed, or clear tube attached to bleed valve, pump to get things moving then gravity.

Everything everyone else has said on the reasons for pulling.
 
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