Pulls only when braking
Almost always a brake-side issue: a sticking caliper slider, a partially seized piston, a contaminated pad, or one disc heavily corroded after the car stood unused. Sometimes a worn flexible brake hose ballooning on one side.
Pulls when you let go of the steering wheel
Usually tracking (wheel alignment) — common after a hard pothole hit or a kerb strike. Other suspects: uneven tyre pressures, mismatched tyres across the front axle, or a worn lower-arm bush.
Pulls only over bumps
Suspension. Worn top mounts, broken coil spring or a tired shock absorber on one corner. You'll often hear a clonk over speed bumps as well.
Safety risks and MOT implications
Brake imbalance over 25% is an MOT fail. Significant tracking issues won't fail on their own but the tyre wear they cause will. Worn suspension components are a fail.
If the pull is strong enough that you have to actively counter-steer at 30mph, stop driving and book it in.
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Woodseer Autos Workshop Team
DVSA-authorised MOT testers & mechanics
The Woodseer Autos workshop team are DVSA-authorised MOT testers and qualified mechanics with hands-on experience across all MOT classes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7). Articles are written and reviewed by the same technicians who carry out the work in our East London workshop.
- DVSA-authorised MOT Testing Station — VTS V106376
- MOT classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7
- Independent garage operating from 14 Copenhagen Place, London E14 7DF