Makarov

I'm trying to figure out if my brakes are working correctly or not. I just finished installing new calipers and front hoses, my rotors are decent, and my pads are worn but still serviceable. I'm riding on 31 inch tires, and while my XJ stops reasonably quick, no matter how hard I stomp the pedal, the brakes don't have enough power to lock up the wheels, even at low speed. The pedal has had a stiff feel since I've owned it.

Is this normal, or is something not performing up to snuff? I tow trailers fairly often and want my brakes to be in good shape.

Anybody with bigger-than-factory tires, how well do your brakes work?

freegdr

When was last time you adjusted rears up .?

95Cherokee

At low speeds I can lock up my 30's with just light pressure on the pedal, I think your braking could be better.

By low speeds I mean like parking lot speeds, under 20mph. but I can lock them up at faster speeds with firm pressure .

freegdr

Ive upgraded to a 96 booster mine work so good feels like my axles are gonna stop and the body keep going.

MtnHermit

+1

When I replaced my front disc pads I then adjusted the rear shoes. What a difference, the rear shoes were grossly out of adjustment. Much higher pedal and even braking on gravel. Used to lock on gravel, now it doesn't.

DieselD

Do you have ABS?

Did you flush all the old fluid out?

Makarov

No, I don't have ABS, and I've never flushed the brake fluid, it LOOKED pretty decent.

I haven't adjusted the rear drums, they feel like they are catching pretty well, and besides, I don't figure that would have any impact on how well the fronts grab. Even if the rear brakes were disabled alltogether, shouldn't the front discs still grab tight enough to lock up?

Would fresh rotors and a set of stickier, HD style pads and shoes help give the brakes more grab?

freegdr

No they wont rears need to be operating properly for full braking power and rears would lock up first .

cruiser54

Just adjust the rears..............

Makarov

10-4, I'll be trying that first. Will report back ASAP.

Thanks.

Gee oh Dee

Mine really suck, but I'm trying to stop 33s not 31s. I can't lock them up.

I need new rear brakes, which probably doesn't help much, but I'd much rather just swap right to rear discs.

As Freegdr suggested, if you have an older style booster the newer style is a good thing to look into.

kirknd4spd

Mine suck since my rear brakes quit working, but they'll still lock up my 33's. I've locked all 4 of my wheels down before. And my brakes are stock.

9294Forrest

Mine don't work for2 days after washing lol

tg22ar

Mine are shot. But I just got some new calipers, zinc drilled/slotted, Hawk HPS pads, and drums/shoes delivered today... well see how they work out tomorrow.

Makarov

Well, discovered today that the banjo bolts were both loose (stupid me), so I tightened them, re-bled all 4 corners, and adjusted up the rear, and my brakes are MUCH improved. Still not as good as I would like, but at least it will sling stuff out of the seats when I mash down on the whoa pedal. It even managed to lock up a little.

I'm hoping after new rotors and ceramic pads, with the proper bed-in procedure, I'll be in business. But, for right now anyways, I'm much closer than I was.