Good evening everyone!


I recently replaced pads and rotors on my '91 XJ 4x4. No cheap parts, gold pads, wear ever rotors. Didn't do the lazy: used lots of brake cleaner, greased the bushings, lubricant on the backs of the pads, greased the mounting bolts that go through the bushings, put the lubricating stuff where the pads slide on the knuckle, and anti seize on the bolt threads. All added in appropriate amounts, no globbed everywhere.

Ran into one hiccup (aside from replacing 4 studs because shops think 350 ft lbs from an air wrench is necessary). The driver side caliper had a bushing that seemed seized in its bore. I had to really fight it out. Sanded the bore and bushing as much as I could, and with grease is slid a little bit ok, still kinda had to force it.

Well, all seemed ok at first. Pads broke in on the new rotors quickly, and nice quiet improved braking. Then about 2-3 weeks later noticed a grinding noise, like the old worn pads made. Started getting worse and would squeal at times kind of bad, quite loud. Other times it seemed ok, just grinding. Pedal never felt mushy, no pulling to any side. Finally today I took what seems to be the culprit side (drivers) apart... That top bushing on the caliper was once again seized. Had to pound it out. The bottom was stiff but slid moderately easily once I gave it a good grunt. Top has me concerned though..

So long story short, re-greased bushing and tried filing bore, cleaned rotors and pads, no grooves or anything. All put back together, go down road and SOB still doing it. Soooooo, what say fellow XJers? Could bad bushings cause these problems? These are the original 22 year old calipers... Cheap enough to replace them both at $20 a pop, I just wanted a second opinion.

Thanks ya'll!

 

"These are the original 22 year old calipers"

Calipers, wheel cylinders, then flush the system till nothing but clear fluid comes out.

 

Got ya 2/3 the way there buddy. Replaced All Rear brake hardware between a year ago and a couple months ago, including a hard brake line and both wheel cylinders. Fluid was flushed and only clear/slightly oil colored DOT brake fluid comes out.

I am thinking its the caliper... Just more or less seeking other-jeeper assurance. Plus, gives me fall-back proof when I tell wife I need to buy parts. Lol