I have a 1991 cherokee 4.0, auto....

we did a rustys 3" lift this weekend and on the drivers front, I had to unbolt the brake line from the caliper to get the axle to drop enough to get the coil spring on....no big deal, just hook back and bleed right? wrong! We tried and tried to bleed them and could not get the pedal to firm up at all.

So, I took it to big o to get it flushed and figured they would push all the air out....they got pressure in the pedal but its not 100%.

So heres what I'm left with after big o quit:

pull up to a light, stop, pedal goes to the floor and the red "brake" light comes on along with the "check ABS" light. Hit the gas and hammer the brakes and I get a good firm pedal and all lights go off....sit for 15 seconds and the pedal begins to shrink to the floor and both lights come on.

So, just pulling one brake line has caused me this....what can it be?

thanks

 

jw, why didnt u just leave the brake line on and just remove the whole caliper?

when u put the brake line back on, did you put new washers on with it?

 

There are quite a number of things that could go wrong with a braking system.

Are there any leaks, Air can pass where liquids could not. Small bubbles could make a big difference.

What fluid did you or Big O drop in? Not sure how specific the cherokees are, but I know other systems where different fluids can eat away at the seals.

If you kinked or pinched a line then that could be the source of the issue.

Hope that Big O did not charge you for services not preformed. If they did and the brakes are the cause of an accident then they could be found liable.

Regardless what the situation is brakes are not something that I like to have compromised.

 

Answer to #1 = I'm low budget and my helpers were paid in beer and pizza, mostly beer...so you know someone knew it all...hahaha

answer to #2 = yes, new brass washers

 

with xj not running push and hold brake pedal does it slowly creep to the floor if you have no leaks the mastyer cyl took a **** on you

 

make sure the bleeders are on top of the calipers

 

any outside chance it could be electrical? Could there be a fuse or relay out that is not letting the abs pump? I hear a "hummmm" from under the passengerside dash with the brakes....