87xj brake problems
 

i have an 87xj that is having some issues with the brakes...

the old master cylinder went out and i replaced it with a refurbished one from a parts store, i bench bled the master cylinder, then bled the lines connecting to the master cylinder then i bled all four brake lines (in proper order) and its still giving me fits.

what its doing is: when i press on the brake pedal its incredibly mushy until right before it gets to the floor, then the brakes engage and completely lock up the tires. there is no "happy medium" there is no way to apply slight pressure and slowly stop. its either no braking or they completely lock up.

please help

My 89 had the same problem so after rebuilding the rear drums with small parts kit I traced it to a rusted solid passenger side parking brake line. Essentially I was driving with a partially engaged p brake so when I went to brake especially when it was wet out I locked up and skidded to a stop. When u loosen the e brake equalizer underneath u should b able to move the cable back and forth with ur hand. Also I had a heck of a time disconnecting the e brake from the lever in the drum not to mention how hard it was to get the drum cover off in the first place. Lots of brake dust too. Good luck

Do you have the Bendix ABS? Round black "high pressure vessel" container just left of the master cylinder? If so...that thing is a nightmare to bleed. There are accumulators and a pump over on the left side of the engine compartment that go whacko with air bubbles.

See post #19 here:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/ben...-14960/index2/