1997 XJ 4x4 inline 6.

Long road trip, all is well.

Going down a big mountain, front brakes start smoking, yes, smoking.

ASAP, I replaced the pads.

Now, the front right wheel is binding, lowering gas mileage sluggish, etc.

Caliper? Line? What all do I need to do/check?

 

Have you checked your rear brakes? Sounds like the fronts are doing all the work.

 

My right front caliper seized up yesterday. I couldn't tell if was caliper or brake hose, so I replaced both. Napa reman caliper was only $29 and the brake hose was $16. I also replaced the pads $22 and both rotors $29 each while I was at it. The brake line was simple, if you have to replace the caliper, might as well spend the extra $16 and throw on a new line. My caliper bolts were 12mm, the brake line banjo bolt was 14mm, the other end of the brake line was an SAE flare fitting, size I can't remember, close to 10mm, and the brake line is held in place with a Torx head so make sure you have a torx set.

Mine is a 99 2WD so parts may not be the same but here is my Napa part list:
Right side caliper SE4890
Rt brake line 38894
Semi metallic pads TS-7358AM
Rotors for hubs with 1&1/8" long studs 48880444 (there is a different rotor part number for hubs with longer studs, so measure yours first).

Todays project:

 

Make sure you slide pins on your calipers are properly greased. Brake dust, road flim, and water get in the pin hole and effect the release of the brakes. they can even rust stuck.

 

I like Napa parts but won't use the TS line pads. Should have spent the couple extra bucks and bought the SS line ones. At least IMO. When I did my rear drums I used the UP line. Did not want to use the TS ones and for some reason they don't make the shoes in the SS line.

 

I understand the TS line is their budget line of pads and may wear out faster. But replacing the pads on this thing is so fast and easy, I'm not too concerned if i have to drop in new pads again in a year or two. I went with semi metallic rather than organic and they're not noisy (yet) and seem to stop well so, they're OK for now.