Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Bizarre braking problem!

Old May 23, 2011 | 07:26 AM
  #1  
semperfi1371's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, Il & Courthouse Bay, NC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.slow
Default Bizarre braking problem!

This is really weird. My brakes work fine 99% of the time, but when I parallel park or cut my wheels hard in any direction, 3 point turns, etc. I lose 98% of my braking. The pedal will go flat to the floor! A terrifying experience the first couple of times...but now that I expect it, I pump my brakes and they work fine again. I have no leaks in my system, no fluid loss and no vacuum leak. I replaced the check valve on the booster to no avail. I ordered a new booster and master cylinder yesterday, but if that isn't it, what can it be? Has this ever happened to anyone or have you heard of it?? As I said, only happens if I turn wheels to the stop or 3 point turns, never going straight or making regular turns at intersections. Any help, greatly appreciated!
Reply
Old May 23, 2011 | 07:34 AM
  #2  
razor02097's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 3
From: Ohio
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 stock
Default

Are you losing brake fluid? Do you have a lift? Straining soft lines can cause them to leak and fail in the strangest ways. Or maybe a soft line is getting pinched.

You could get a friend to cut the wheel and press the brake petal while you look under the car for jets of brake fluid or pinched lines.
Reply
Old May 23, 2011 | 07:39 AM
  #3  
freegdr's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

make sure you can return the booster when boosters fail the brake pedal get hard as a rock so this will not be the issue brake lines will only affect the brake its related to mains suspect would be master cyl bypassing internally
Reply
Old May 23, 2011 | 07:41 AM
  #4  
freegdr's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

problem seems to be occuring when brake pedal is pressed numerous time in a short period of time
Reply
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:21 AM
  #5  
notop46's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
Year: 1990 - 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Wierd, Two posibilities I came up with:

1) Could be the gap between the rotors and the pads is getting wider when you cut the wheel hard. Check If the whel bearings are good and all the caliper brackets tight.

2) You could have a hose with failed braiding that is made worse by turning the wheel hard. It would bulge up like a frogs throat without leaking.

Jack up your Jeep by the front axle, pull the two front wheels, and do a brake test with the wheel cut hard. You may have to wrap your hand around the flex lines to feel if they are swelling. Check to see if any of the components from point 1) are loose.

Good Luck!
Reply
Old May 24, 2011 | 03:52 PM
  #6  
semperfi1371's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, Il & Courthouse Bay, NC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.slow
Default

Thanks to all of the replies, I'll be having surgery in the morning so this is on the back burner til late next week earliest. I just need to get the wiring fixed first by tomorrow lol so my daughter can drive me there without incident. As for the brakes, weve both had combat driving in OIF/OEF so she should be fine! I'll post up soon on the brakes...
Reply
Old May 24, 2011 | 05:04 PM
  #7  
freegdr's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

wiring??
Reply
Old May 25, 2011 | 11:46 AM
  #8  
notop46's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
Year: 1990 - 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by semperfi1371
Thanks to all of the replies, I'll be having surgery in the morning so this is on the back burner til late next week earliest. I just need to get the wiring fixed first by tomorrow lol so my daughter can drive me there without incident. As for the brakes, weve both had combat driving in OIF/OEF so she should be fine! I'll post up soon on the brakes...
Many Thanks to both of you for your service. Good luck with your surgery!!

PM me here (I am occasionally on) or contact me @ notop46@yahoo.com or david.halbig@us.bosch.com if you do not find the problem.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
seansr
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
13
Oct 20, 2025 02:48 PM
MtnGoat
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
33
Feb 24, 2016 12:53 AM
madmanmarty
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
30
Aug 30, 2015 03:17 PM
rusty_bucket
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
Aug 29, 2015 06:42 AM
britishcolumbia
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
Aug 28, 2015 04:08 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:10 PM.