1996 Suburban Pulls Bad....Brakes?

My suburban has some steering issues. I believe it might be related to the front brakes. While driving, the thing pulls to the left pretty bad. Occasionally, while braking, it will pull REAL hard to the right. This isn't always the case, but i notice when it does happen, its usually when the vehicle is on a road with an uneven surface, causing the passenger side to be lower than the other. I have noticed that my brake pads on the driver's side have about 80% life left. The pads on my passenger side have about 30% life left. I think this is a big clue as to what the problem is. Does the terrible handling sound like a steering component issue? or more like a brake problem? calipers? Please tell me what you think. Im sure it needs some steering stuff like the pitman arm and idler arm replaced. It honestly just handles really terrible. But based on the pulling behavior, and the uneven pad wear, what do you guys think would be the cluprit? Also the outer side of my passenger side tire is wearing out very fast; poor alignment? Thanks for the help!

My suburban has some steering issues. I believe it might be related to the front brakes. While driving, the thing pulls to the left pretty bad. Occasionally, while braking, it will pull REAL hard to the right. This isn't always the case, but i notice when it does happen, its usually when the vehicle is on a road with an uneven surface, causing the passenger side to be lower than the other. I have noticed that my brake pads on the driver's side have about 80% life left. The pads on my passenger side have about 30% life left. I think this is a big clue as to what the problem is. Does the terrible handling sound like a steering component issue? or more like a brake problem? calipers? Please tell me what you think. Im sure it needs some steering stuff like the pitman arm and idler arm replaced. It honestly just handles really
terrible. But based on the pulling behavior, and the uneven pad wear, what do you guys think would be the cluprit? Also the outer side of my passenger side tire is wearing out very fast; poor alignment? Thanks for the help!

If the brake pads are the same age, it sounds like the right caliper is dragging. You can get loaded lifetime warranty calipers at AutoZone for about $70. Replacing them takes about 10min longer than just replacing the pads. You'll have to bleed the brake system after replacement.

The terrible handling and tire wear would be caused by the idler arm and pitman arm, if they're bad. If you replace them, make sure you replace the idler arm bracket as well, the arm and bracket are sold separately.

I recently purchased a used 99 suburban, the door locks only lock and unlock with the remote on the keys , not with the switches on door panels. Can anyone help?????

Could be a brake caliper or hose.I have some advice,stay awy from AutoZone and here is their lifetime warranty: ONE TIME USE ONLY.AutoZone makes cheapest garbage parts out there and I have seen it.This is also Advanced Auto's lifetime warranty too.Go to your nearest Carquest,Napa,Auto Value and other high quality parts stores instead.Here is a tip on the copper washer with the reman calipers: Throw them away and reuse the old ones.You will have problems with the new ones,they leak and have more problems with them down the road.

I recently purchased a used 99 suburban, the door locks only lock and unlock with the remote on the keys , not with the switches on door panels. Can anyone help?????

You'll get more responses if you start a new thread. I'm sure you'll get some good advice here.

You'll get more responses if you start a new thread. I'm sure you'll get some good advice here. Will Do, Thanks.

Hey thanks alot for the replies guys. I think im just gonna have my local brake and alignment shop do the pitman arm and idler arm, (assuming thats the problem...they are very good at diagnosing. they should be able to figure out the problem). I think ill replace the caliper by myself. As far as calipers go, I've got my eye on an AC-Delco caliper at RockAuto for $77.29 plus shipping. This includes pads. Nothing wrong with the Delco's right? Also, I would appreciate it if someone could explain to me the correct procedure for bleeding the brakes. I'm assuming the only brake i need to bleed is the one i replaced? Or do i need to bleed all of them? From what i understand, the correct procedure is to attach a hose to the bleeder screw, and put the other end of the hose into a bottle filled with clean brake fluid. Then open the bleeder screw, and have someone slowly press the brake pedal, and hold it there, till i close the screw. Keep doing this till the fluid is free of air bubbles? Also the combination valve must be held open during the entire process? Could someone please confirm if this is correct or not? Thanks alot guys!

Check for collasped brake hose on right side.
Read this thread and comment by old master:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=766705

Hope this helps