M pulls right when brakes are applied

[myother45isalesbaer]

My 2004 M45 just started to pull to the right when I apply the brakes. It seems to be getting more frequent.

Tire pressures are at specs. Tracks straight as an arrow when not on the brakes.

I wondered if anyone else has come across this problem and what they found wrong. With 16K miles on it I have pretty much ruled out in my mind that its rotors, calibers or brake pads. Its a very strong pull with no surging as you can get with warped rotors. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it does not???

[jbillion]

Sometimes mine pulls right, sometimes it pulls left. I just had an allignment when I put new tires on the car. Also did the front pads and rotors. It is a very strong pull. I have learned to live with it. If anyone knows how to resolve this, please let us know.

[M45Caliber]

only two things I can think of (since you mentioned you checked air pressures)1. a caliper is binding - applying MORE pressure (your right front caliper) than the other 3 calipers -- when you get out of the car after driving it, see if the right front WHEEL is hotter than the others (careful not to burn your fingers...)2. Radial tire belt separation might affect this as well; the tire might flex more due to a belt separation, although this is more far-fetched.

My guess, due to the extremely low miles for an '04, is the caliper. With so little use it's quite possible to get some pitting inside and have it hang up. I'd take it to a brake shop you trust and have them check it out (they'll do that for free...)

good luck --

[myother45isalesbaer]

Thanks. I am tending to agree with you on the hanging up. I am wondering with some high speed driving and hitting the brakes hard will this fix itself. I have been running around town recently in the rain at slow speeds.

Maybe I need to blow the engine out some and hammer the brakes at highway speeds.

I need to get this fixed or resolved soon as I am making a 500 mile run next week and I know my speeds are going to be high. I can't afford a brake failure when I need them.

[M45Caliber]

you could try that, but if there's any corrosion or pitting internally, it's possible the seals are now also damaged by the rough surfaces. If that's the case no amount of hard braking will help. Might want to have both front calipers rebuilt at the same time so that your stopping will remain straight and true (assuming that's the path you take...)

One of the benefits of living in AZ is that rust is not an issue, neither is moisture in brake fluid a problem (but heat and age still are)

I'm assuming you live back east, midwest or Northwest where there are copious amounts of rain; where "rust never sleeps"?

[myother45isalesbaer]

Thanks for the help. I was hoping it was something simpler. Dang, this thing just come off warranty in May. Maybe Infiniti will give me a break on the repairs.

Yes I do live in the Northeast where rust never sleeps and grows like a wildfire. We don't wear cars out, we rust them to death.