1.8TQ99.5

Had the front pads/rotors replaced and the tires rotated. There is no vibration, but when I get up to over 50mph the car steadily pulls to the left. No such problems before the work was done.

Mech suggested checking tire pressure, it's ~34psi (warm) on both front tires and ~32psi on both rear ones.

I also suspected that an improperly installed brake pad was rubbing against the left rotor, but the wheel is cool to the touch, and I would expect it to be pretty hot after a 45min drive if that were the case.

I am thinking I need an alignment, but why would a brake job cause it to go out of whack?

TIA.

Reggie

Tires could be worn due to alignment and the rotation brought out the problem.

Could also be as you suspected a brake issue.

ex-quattro PETE

Did you have a chance to see of all the tires were evenly worn? If not, now, after rotation, this pulling to the side may become more pronounced, me thinks.

Also, jack up the car and see if each wheel moves freely.

RKA

Add more. 34-36 cold should help limit some of the pulling. If it's still there, Reggie is right, the tire rotation probably brought a poorly worn tire up front, which you would notice right away. The brake pad probably wasn't the issue, since the wheel is cool.