Would it be possible that a sticky brake caliber would be causing the car to swerve when the brakes are applied?
I noticed this problem last winter before I stopped driving this car earlier this year. It's been sitting since March and I'm just getting around to getting it back to road worthy. I have new tires only one year old and all pressures are equal. Tires are in great condition. I had a four wheel alignment done last winter with little if any improvement in correcting the swerve. I just replaced the right axle shaft and front wheel bearing for a grinding noise which is now gone. Still swerving. I also replaced the front brake pads and rotors. Still swerving.
But it just occurred to me, the old inboard brake pad on the right front caliber was ground down to almost metal, whereas the three other brake pads had an equal amount of lining left, about 1/8". Also the inboard side of the right rotor was gouged up pretty bad.
While test driving the car this afternoon I got a whiff of brake smoke and saw a bit of it coming from the front of the car at a stop sign. Also, took a look at it when I pulled into the driveway and actually saw a bit more coming out from behind the rim. Definately something going on in there.
Could a sticky caliber be the culprit and how would I go about fixing it, replace the caliber or is there an easier way, like greasing the pins?
Thanks!