How to stop if your brakes fail

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Nov 7, 2015 | 04:03 PM

#16

Bugout4x4

CF Veteran

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 4,481

Likes: 18

From: Arizona

Year: 97

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by odgreen

Answer to your question should be, keep your brake system in good condition. It's one of the most important part of your jeep.

Absolutely... don't drive it until it is, no excuses other than absolute freak situations.

Nov 7, 2015 | 04:27 PM

#17

Fred/N0AZZ

CF Veteran

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 7,554

Likes: 17

From: Monett, MO.

Year: 1999

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

As pointed out earlier keep your XJ in better shape and as stated they will NOT let go completely. Even with an auto mine slows down well in low with 4.56gears.

Last edited by Fred/N0AZZ; Nov 8, 2015 at 09:15 AM.

Nov 8, 2015 | 08:08 AM

#18

OldTires

Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 952

Likes: 55

From: Eastern Long Island, NY

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbo X_J

That's why your vehicle has 2 separate systems front and rear. Only way a complete failure would happen is if the master cylinder croaked. The other item you mentioned I've only ever heard of it referred to a "parking brake", only meant to be used when the vehicle is already stopped. Using only the rear brakes provides a silly long stopping distance as the front provide 70% of the braking force.
To avoid the line fail keep on top of maintenance
Fixing Leaking Rusty Brake Lines - YouTube

I like Scotty videos but on this one he is crazy for using compression fittings to fix brake lines instead of properly flaring the ends and using the correct threaded union-fitting to join the ends.

Compression fittings for brake lines = No bueno!

Nov 8, 2015 | 08:15 AM

#19

andrewmp6

CF Veteran

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 8,014

Likes: 17

From: Louisville,KY

Model: Cherokee

Aim for a truck run off and start praying.

Nov 8, 2015 | 08:31 AM

#20

XJlimitedx99

CF Veteran

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 3,132

Likes: 357

From: Andover, VT

Year: 1999

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0 L

Throw it in 4lo

Nov 8, 2015 | 08:44 AM

#21

Bugout4x4

CF Veteran

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 4,481

Likes: 18

From: Arizona

Year: 97

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Tie a dead tree or large rock to the back so that it requires effort to be pulled down the hill. Not good for the road but survival is survival.

Nov 9, 2015 | 02:14 PM

#22

LiamLikeNeeson

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 766

Likes: 5

From: Los Angeles, CA

Year: 1989 Limited

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: I-6 4.0L AMC Renix

That's what the 1-2 and 3 gear positions are for in auto trans right? I know the 1-2 will definitely slow me down in a steep hill. Practiced it so I'm prepared in case of emergency and it uses engine resistance so I don't have to worry about brakes smoking from riding them for so long

Nov 9, 2015 | 02:28 PM

#23

toasterknight

CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 1,508

Likes: 5

From: Oregon Coast

Year: 1999

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L I6

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiamLikeNeeson

You get enough weight or a steep enough hill and that's not enough to slow you down.

Nov 9, 2015 | 02:31 PM

#24

LiamLikeNeeson

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 766

Likes: 5

From: Los Angeles, CA

Year: 1989 Limited

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: I-6 4.0L AMC Renix

Well not completely but hopefully enough to keep control until you find a truck run off or a place to stop

Nov 9, 2015 | 03:02 PM

#25

Orlo

Seasoned Member

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 360

Likes: 5

Model: Cherokee

It should be an extremely rare instance where anyone would lose all braking power in a passenger vehicle, while going down a steep hill, while this or while that, etc....

The question is silly, but the best responses given are to maintain your damn brakes properly so you don't have to worry about it.

The icy road questions are more legit. I've found instances at low speeds when towing my sleds where I thought I might not stop before an intersection because of ice. Common sense needs to be followed in those driving conditions. Leave lots of room to stop so you can avoid a wreck with maneuvers. I once scrubbed off speed in a snow bank to avoid trouble.