Hey guys
So... I'm starting to get a little frustrated with this one.
I put a new set of Hawk HP+ pads in before I went down to the 'States for an autocross. Flushed and bled the brake lines, and bedded the pads on the way to the ferry.
Everything was working fine. The brakes were fine on the way down, they were just fine (but a bit toasty warm) at the track, and they were fine on the drive home.
Due to the cracked wheel, I swapped over to my swirlies w/ all seasons on them this morning. It's the only change to the car. And it's been pulling like an SOB all day under braking. The harder the braking force, the harder the pull, and the passenger wheel locks prematurely. If I hold the wheel straight, it pulls to the passenger side. If I let the wheel go, I can feel the car want to pull but the steering wheel rotates about 10 degrees to the left.
At first, I thought it was a bad suspension peice allowing the wheel to have excessive camber or toe under braking, but I had a good feel around and everything felt tight. The wheel bearing has a bit of play, but I'd say it's within tolerance. I had a buddy hang out the window, and he couldn't see anything amiss with the geometry. He did note a few sparks coming from the brakes on that side, I obviously couldn't check my side. I'm almost inclined to write that off as a product of the high metal content of the Hawk pads.
I pulled that front right corner apart, nothing was amiss. Pads were wearing evenly (Although there was significantly more brake dust and heat on that side, a 75 degree spread over a half dozen moderate 80-40 slowdowns). Rotors are not heavily worn or grooved. I did notice a bit of transfer from the rubber piston boots onto the pad backs, as if a bit had melted on.
So... I'm stumped. When everything appears normal but is obviously amiss, what do you do?
Rebuild calipers? I'm inclined to try all the simple stuff first as I'm very tight for time these days.
PS - I checked and set all tire pressures. It's not that.