I recently replaced my brakes, with drums in the rear and disk in the front. After bleeding the brakes I still have to use excess force on the brake pedal to get her to stop. Before I did the brakes everything was just fine, but now I'm stumped. Any ideas??

 

"still" have to use excess force....was it this way before you replaced anything?

 

My bad, everything worked great before I disconnected the brake lines and replaces the shoes, drums, and disks. I bleed the brakes to get all the air out, and now the brakes work. I just have to press on the pedal really hard to stop the jeep. Ive been doing some research online so I have a list of things to do.

Also, I disconnected the abs system. I've removed all the abs fuses and relays along with the wiring. Could there be something else I'm missing??

 

And...did you adjust the rears so you ended up with a nice firm petal?

 

Doesn't the ABS system require power bleeding because of the pump? Otherwise it's a pain to clear air from the system, especially if the lines have been opened.

 

I think you're onto something!! Got some more info on a solution??

 

Is that the Bendix system with the assist pump in place of a vacuum brake booster?
If so, did you happen to disconnect the pump or wiring?

 

I have a 99 XJ that had ABS. I swapped over to an 8.25 eliminating the ABS. Removed the fuses and just cut the wiring, never touched the pump or the lines. Just did a rear disc conversion on it and didn't have any issues bleeding the brakes. Mine didn't need power to bleed them. I have heard those earlier 90's brake systems are a PITA though.

I'm wondering about 2 things here.

1. Are the pads and shoes seated correctly that you replaced? If something is not seated correctly and able to move it will give a harder pedal.

2. A brake booster is normally the culprit for a very hard pedal. Check the vacuum line going to it. I'm hoping you didn't over extend the rod off of the master cylinder into the booster and damage it by pressing the pedal too far to the floor.

 

http://www.aa1car.com/library/abs_bendix9.htm

Google Bendix 9 for more info

 

Tomorrow I'm gonna go through my drums and calipers to make sure everything is seated properly. Thanks for the info., I'll repost tomorrow with my findings.

 

Awesome!! Thanks

 

that's the thing...if it's a Bendix system, there is no vacuum booster. It's a pump/accumulator setup that operates the ABS and provides power assist during normal braking. If that was disconnected....no power assist.

 

Where is this brake booster you speak of??

 

So what do I do to get the power back or to work around it to get my brakes back to normal??

 

If it helps. I had this hard brake pedal problem before I pulled the fuse/relays.