MOT failed on brake imbalance

[anonymous-user]

My 02 Corolla has failed the MOT on a front brake imbalance, 80% out in fact.

I've just dismantled the front brakes and the discs look fine, the pads are quite thin but ok, but the bottom slider on the driver side was rusted solid, the other 3 were fine. Front tyres are brand new, rears are 1 year old.

I've freed the slider, sanded it smooth again and greased up all 4 sliders and they're now sliding nicely, but after a quick road test the car squirms to the left under hard braking. Both front wheels were both equally hot after the road test so the brakes are working both sides, but it feels like the passenger side is pulling up a bit harder.

Next thing on my list is new pads as I wonder if the pads on the faulty side have worn off-square - could the stuck slider cause the caliper to pull at an angle and wear the pads badly?

If not, how would I check for a leaking caliper or a collapsed brake hose?

Also, is it possible to grease the caliper pistons? If so a)how and b)with copper grease, red rubber grease or something else?

thanks
James

[RLK500]

Before you buy new pads why not swap them over. Should tell you if the pads are the issue.

[Defcon5]

JimSuperSix said:

If not, how would I check for a leaking caliper or a collapsed brake hose?

I suppose the leaking caliper is easy - is there brake fluid all over it?

Sometimes hoses collapse on the inside, but get someone to press the brakes with the engine on and see if anything bulges

[anonymous-user]

re. the pads, they're pretty low anyway so now is a good time to get that job out of the way, and at £25 they're quite reasonable.

There was no fluid anywhere on either caliper that I saw when removing them, just a lot of brake dust.

Thanks for the info re. hoses, I'll check them tonight and see if there's anything obviously bulging (on the hoses ).