Car pulls to the right when braking — alignment or brake issue?

Pulling only while braking = brake issue, not alignment. If alignment were off, it'd pull all the time. The pull goes toward the side that's gripping MORE. So pulling right means either: - **Right caliper is grabbing harder** (slides stuck = more clamping force) - **Left caliper is lazy** (stuck/seized = less clamping force on that side) **How to tell which side:** 1. Drive and brake moderately a few times 2. Carefully feel each wheel hub/rotor area (DON'T TOUCH THE ROTOR) — the problem side will be noticeably hotter 3. If the LEFT side is cooler, that caliper isn't applying fully 4. If the RIGHT side is scorching, that caliper is sticking on **Most common cause:** Caliper slide pins seized. The pins need to be cleaned and lubed with silicone brake grease every brake job. When they seize, the caliper can't float and applies uneven pressure. The fix is usually pulling the caliper, cleaning and re-greasing the slide pins, and checking that the piston retracts smoothly. If the piston is stuck, you need a caliper ($50-80 reman).

Also check the brake hose on the left side. Rubber brake hoses can deteriorate internally and create a flap that acts like a check valve — lets fluid through to apply the brake but restricts it from releasing. The caliper applies but doesn't fully release. External inspection won't catch it; you need to crack the bleeder while the caliper is stuck to see if fluid rushes out.