Q: I own a 2000 Ford F-250 4x4 pickup with a 7.3-liter diesel engine. The truck pulls to the left whenever the brakes are applied. I have rebuilt both front brake calipers. I put upper and lower ball-joints on both sides. The brake pads are only about one year old. I replaced a tie-rod and the steering damper. New tires were installed and the front-end was aligned. The brake rotors were turned and look okay. Do you have any suggestions as to what might be causing the pulling? -- J.M., Valparaiso, IN

A: J.M., looking at that long list of items replaced, and the fact that the wheels were aligned, you certainly wouldn’t expect anymore pulling concerns. When a vehicle pulls only during braking, it’s either a braking force difference side-to-side, or something in the suspension or steering system is loose or worn. Uneven side-to-side braking force can be caused by unequal hydraulic pressure, such as a restricted brake line/hose. If the right side brake caliper wasn’t getting as much hydraulic pressure due to a restriction, the left side brakes would grab better, causing a pull to that side. Also, if the pistons in the right side brake caliper were sticking a bit, or the caliper wasn’t sliding properly, the left brakes would grab better, causing a pull to that side.

It’s also possible that there might be slight differences in the frictional qualities of the brakes pads and/or rotors. To determine if the brake pads or rotors are possibly causing the pulling, try switching them from one side to the other. I know this may sound weird, but Ford actually published a Technical Service Bulletin (# 03-19-10) regarding brake pull and this is one of the things they suggested the technician try to determine the cause of the pulling. Also mentioned in the TSB was the possibility that the front leaf springs may need to be replaced as well as the steering gear and pitman arm. However, before tackling the steering/suspension system components, I would make sure that the brakes are not the source of the pull.

You may want to try and find a truck repair facility that has a brake system tester, though. A brake system tester (also known as a brake balance tester) has drive-on ramps and it’s capable of measuring the braking force at all the wheels while stopping. Not all repair shops have this piece of equipment. I suggest you look in your yellow pages under truck repair and contact area shops to see if they have one. Once the brakes are ruled out as the possible source, then it has to be something in the steering or suspension system.

Q: My 2002 Chevy Venture won’t start and I found that no fuel was being delivered to the engine. The fuel injectors are being triggered when the engine is being cranked but without fuel in the fuel rail, the engine won’t start. I checked the fuse and relay and they were good. I thought for sure the fuel pump was bad and I replaced it. Still I have no fuel pressure. I bypassed the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump still won’t run. Do you have any ideas? -- S.P., Chicago

A: S.P., there’s probably a problem with the wiring between the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump. Faulty wiring or a poor connection at one of the harnesses connectors could be causing the problem. Try checking the big connector under the vehicle, underneath the driver’s seat area. This connector is susceptible to corrosion problems.

AutoAdviser: Ira Siegel is an Automotive Instructor and ASE Certified Master Auto Technician. If you have auto-related questions for Ira Siegel you can call and leave your questions at the Auto Adviser Hotline at 708-633-6839 or e-mail a question to Autoadvisr@aol.com.