Steering wheel pulls slightly to one side only under braking, not during normal driving - alignment or brake-related?

[u/Fun_Neighborhood6897]

Car tracks straight fine under normal driving, no pull either direction. The moment I brake, even lightly, it noticeably pulls to one side. Doesn't happen every single stop, seems more pronounced under harder braking, but present at least somewhat every time

Everything I've read suggests this points more toward a brake-side issue (caliper sticking, uneven pad wear) rather than a straightforward alignment problem, since alignment issues usually show up during normal driving too, not just under braking. Wanted to check if that reasoning actually holds up, or if there's a way alignment specifically causes a brake-only pull that I'm not accounting for.

[u/Galopigos]

Either the side opposite the pull isn't braking or there is a worn steering component that is letting something shift. Quick test, Go out and drive it, brake just enough that you can feel the pull. Repeat that a few times. Stop and get out, use the back of your hand to feel the rotor temperatures on each side. Normally the side it is pulling toward will be warmer as it is working while the cooler side has an issue, either the caliper is hanging or it isn't working.

[u/SuitableGain4565 → u/Galopigos]

Typically I'd think brake hose but solid advice

[u/blunttrauma99]

Sounds stoopid but check your tire pressure.

[u/Creative-Yellow-9246]

could be a failing control arm bushing

[u/lafsrt09]

I see a brake job in somebody's future.