How do I diagnose my front end?

[doop300]

Ive got a stock 10 bolt front end on my 89 blazer and it feels loose and tends to pull one way or another when i hit the brakes suddenly. I dont know how to find the problem without taking it in to a shop, which I would prefer not to do. Ball joints? Alignment? 33 12.50 tires? Not sure my problem.

 

[Mountain_man]

more then likely a hanging caliper check there first. After that move to Tie rod's and further on down. Alignment is potential problem however if broken parts it makes no point to have it done with old parts.

 

[doop300]

Whats a hanging caliper?

 

[Mountain_man]

one that does not release completely and is basically rubbing the pads against the disc. This creates heat and one side will pull more then the other at most times... After it warms up a bit you'll notice it more and more and when you push on brakes of course.

 

[doop300]

How will I be able to tell if thats the problem? Is it pretty obvious or do you need to know what to look for?
Thanks

 

[Mountain_man]

Really if the brakes been on quite a while one side will be drastically lower amount of pad left compared to other. Your caliper could be a little sticky too but pads is the easiest way I've found. Maybe others can help too.