This Jeep has been a boat launcher in salt water. The brakes have not worked since I got it. A year ago. I can't get the rear drums off to take a look. They won't budge, maybe from the salt water, I've tried soaking in break free. I read something about spring nuts securing drum to wheel studs. I didn't notice them. Where would I find them to release the drums? What would I expect to need to do to make the brakes work again. The Jeep is in Mexico and want to bring down any parts I might need to have it fixed. I want to start wheeling the local area.

It's an '89, 4.0, 4X4, 5 spd.,

 

If the drums still spin, just keep bashing it with a hammer until it break free, don't hit the edges unless you want to dodge shards of cast iron. I found brass hammers to do really well with this, although they are pricey.

Otherwise the basics would be, make sure the system even has any fluid. Check along all the brakes lines and make sure they aren't leaking. I am of course assuming by "Not working", you mean they don't stop the vehicle. There is a lot of information we need that you didn't provide.

 

The drums do spin fine. I tried adjusting the star wheel, didn't work. The fluid is up and I have found no leaks in the lines.

Could my rig have those spring nuts? The drums will not budge. Where are the spring nuts?

Anything else you need to know?

Thanks.

 

I'v honestly never heard of an XJ using such a thing, the drums just probably are rusted onto the hub. Which does not surprise me, I live in Colorado and drums are a ***** to get off here. Like I said, just keep hitting them with the biggest hammer you got, you won't hurt anything. Maybe the drums will crack, but they're probably toast anyways.

How exactly are the brakes not working? Does the pedal just go right to the floor? Is the pedal really hard to push with the engine running?

 

you need brakes. If you are not able to beat them off...cut them off. Replacement drums are not that expensive.

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The brake pedal goes to the floor. It feels like I can ALMOST pump them for pressure. It is not hard to push with the engine running.

I think I'll at least bring new drums down next trip in case the old ones break from all the hammering.

 

Then one of two things may be happening. Either you have a crap ton of air in your lines, or your master cylinder is shot. Start with bleeding the brakes if you haven't already, see if that helps.

 

They are used to hold the drum on during factory assy. They are just a little clip-like thing that goes on the wheel stud and pushes up against the drum. There is usually one (maybe two) per drum. If the drums have ever been off before (I would assume yours have), the clips will be gone.

 

Thanks for that info.

 

No problem. I searched and found a pic of one of these clips. This one's on a rotor, but same thing:

 

I've got a feeling the salt water has done it's damage, and you probably have a rusted mess under that drum.

 

 

WANT.

I work at Ford, lol.

 

Wosre case you just get the torch out and light the whole thing on fire hahaha....... but anyways a torch around the hub and a bfh usually do the trick too but can also create other problems too. I like that tool but haven't had one yet that been 10% smarter then me.

 

Thanks for all the replys, just one more thing then. Would you recommend a master cylinder rebuild kit, or just get a rebuilt one?

Thanks, again.