You press the brake pedal and suddenly your vehicle wants to move left or right.

That is not something you should have to fight against. A vehicle that pulls while braking may have a problem with the braking system, tires, suspension, steering, or alignment. Because braking is a major safety system, it is worth having the cause checked.

One possible cause is a brake caliper that is not working correctly. Calipers squeeze the brake pads against the rotors when you press the brake pedal. If one caliper applies differently than the other, the vehicle may pull toward one side during braking.

A sticking caliper can also cause:

Uneven brake wear
Excessive heat
Burning smells
Reduced fuel economy
A wheel that feels unusually hot

If one wheel has significantly more or less braking force than another, the vehicle may pull. Uneven brake wear can sometimes be caused by a caliper, hardware, or other brake-system issue. Replacing brake pads without correcting the reason they wore unevenly may not solve the actual problem.

Brake hoses carry brake fluid to the calipers. Internal hose damage may affect how brake pressure is applied or released at a wheel. The hose can sometimes look normal from the outside while having a problem internally. This is one reason a proper brake inspection looks beyond the pads and rotors.

Not every braking pull is caused by the brakes. Tire problems may include:

Uneven tire pressure
Uneven tread wear
Internal tire damage
Different tire types or sizes
Alignment-related wear

If the vehicle pulls while driving normally as well as during braking, tires or alignment may be part of the problem.

Worn steering or suspension components may allow the vehicle to shift or move differently when weight transfers forward during braking. Possible areas to inspect include: