Yesterday, out of the clear blue, my xj started pulling to the left while driving. When I hit the brakes, it jerked to the right hard. As if there were no brakes being applied to the left at that time. When I got to my house I got out and looked at the front and there was smoke coming from the left side brake area. Seems like that brake was dragging more than it should while driving. What's going on?

 

Possibly a clog in your brake line not allowing pressure to release.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/bra...35/#post506013

 

you have a bad caliper,make sure you look,and test before replacing,it could be just lube on the bolts that hold it,if you lube it and still not going back to its placce,you may have to replace your caliper,very common on jeeps,parts sit on the shelf for a long time so if the new one is the same take it back,that should take care of your problem.

 

That is what I was thinking as well. I was going to replace it but you have a good point about lubing it first. I'll try that this weekend.