JeremyXJ

About a month ago, the driver's side rear brake cylinder failed on my '96 XJ. I ordered and installed a rebuild kit with the new cylinders, springs, shoes, and drums. I've only had the time to change the one side; the passenger side is still the stock setup. (I will change that side when it warms up a bit). As soon as I put it all back together, it snowed and the weather has been a nightmare off and on. Long story short, it took me almost a month to finally bleed the brakes and drive it.

The brake light is no longer on and everything looks good, but the brake pedal still travels too far downward and I can't get them to lock up at all. Slowing down feels fairly normal, but as soon as I really step on the pedal, it takes a noticeably longer time to come to a stop and it feels spongy. I bled both rear brakes manually and correctly. The passenger side that I rebuilt was the only one that showed any sign of air in the lines. Driver side was dirty, but had no air bubbles. I bled both sides pretty thoroughly.

I'm kind of stumped. I don't think they're leaking and the new cylinder went on tightly. What am I missing?

IJM

Did you also bleed the fronts and adjust the drums?

JeremyXJ

I adjusted the new one, but I haven't touched the fronts.

nujeepguy

xx

Billy Bee

Does it feel spongy when at idle? If it can be duplicated when sitting, Id disconnect one line at a time and block it - use a fitting thats welded closed or something similar and retest your brakes. When the pedal feels better you've found the brake hose or caliper/drum thats the issue.

Turbo X_J

If the master cylinder ran dry it will have to be bled of air first.

Billy Bee

^ yep.

Also if the pedal is still spongy with all brake lines plugged, do the same thing at the master.