Annoying bumpsteer, braking, steering issues

[Bullitt95]

Ever since I bought my Stang it pulls to the left under light/moderate braking. If I brake harder it doesn't pull as much. The rotors and pads are nearly new and my mechanic said that the brakes themselves are fine, but the wheel alignment needs to be checked.
The alignment shop corrected the camber and toe (the camber was quite a bit off but the toe was OK) and things improved but the car still pulls to the left under braking (just not as much). As far as I can tell, the suspension is stock and the front springs are original. Another thing I've noticed is it has a fair degree of bumpsteer and I wonder if the two problems are related.
Finally, I've also noticed a creaking/clicking noise coming from the front (I think on the passenger side) when I turn the steering to the right but not when I turn it left. The car steers straight when the steering wheel is straight and there's no vibration through the steering at any speed.
Can anyone help with some ideas how to solve these issues? I don't want to pour money into a bumpsteer kit, camber/caster plates, or any other parts unless they're likely to help.

 

[howiefisher]

it sounds like you may have a seized calapier i had the same problem and thats what it was. little bit of pressure not not enough to move the calaper but if you hit the brakes hard then it will push out the piston in the calaper .also mabey your dust cover is rubbing when you corner take off your tire and bend it out a bit see if that helps .

 

[GT_green_GT]

yeah...it does sound like a caliper problem.

 

[Bullitt95]

Thanks, a sticking front passenger side caliper does make sense but what about the bumpsteer and the creaking noise when I turn the steering to the right at low speeds? Balljoints? Tie rod ends?

 

[bmac50]

Thanks, a sticking front passenger side caliper does make sense but what about the bumpsteer and the creaking noise when I turn the steering to the right at low speeds? Balljoints? Tie rod ends?

For the creaking sound check the bushings (usually rubber) around the sway bar and tie rods and see if there cracked or missing. I just did tie rods this week and the sound started out as a creaking sound that no one could pin point. As time went on it just got worse until finally with the car parked and turning the wheel it made all sorts of racket.

 

[Bullitt95]

Well, I thought I'd report back because I've managed to get all three issues solved in one hit. The problems were worn tie rod ends and worn steering rack bushings. I even discovered that a previous owner had, in fact, lowered the front & rear suspension by 1".
I had the inner and outer tie rod ends replaced on both sides, and new urethane steering rack bushings installed (not offset). Now the car stays dead straight even when I brake hard, the bumpsteer has gone, and no more creaking from the passenger side when I begin to steer right. I'm a happy camper.

 

[juiced_94gt]

Well, I thought I'd report back because I've managed to get all three issues solved in one hit. The problems were worn tie rod ends and worn steering rack bushings. I even discovered that a previous owner had, in fact, lowered the front & rear suspension by 1".
I had the inner and outer tie rod ends replaced on both sides, and new urethane steering rack bushings installed (not offset). Now the car stays dead straight even when I brake hard, the bumpsteer has gone, and no more creaking from the passenger side when I begin to steer right. I'm a happy camper.

You should have got MM's Solid steering rack bushings, those ploy ones still flex quiet a bit

 

[Bullitt95]

I had already bought the Energy Suspension master bushing kit so I just used the steering rack bushings from that kit. I'm happy that all three problems are solved now and the car is so much more enjoyable to drive.