I'm new to the jeep world, but not new to cars, or a wrench. Anyway, I have a 99 2wd xj, and when its quiet in the cab (a/c, radio off) I can hear almost what sounds like a marble or two in my rear brakes while applying the brake. That is probably the best way i can describe the sound. Could it just be drums, shoes, bearings maybe? I know the jeep needs a few things, just figured id ask before i jump into taking anything apart.
Thanks

 

Is it only when you brake? If so I would at least pull the back wheel and drums off and see if there's something loose in there.

Does it happen at all when driving?

 

I know this is going to sound crazy, but check the overhead lamps in the rear cargo area. I had one of the bulbs pop out and roll around the housing. Sounded like a marble either inside the back hatch or the rear axle...found it by accident when swapping out leds. dang sound drove my ocd nuts.... just something to check....hope it is this simple for you..

 

Yes it is only when i brake, and i can only hear it at low speeds. I guess you could say it has a grinding type sound too. I guess i need to just pull the drum off and check it out.

 

Not to hijack my own thread, but does anyone know for certain what type of rotors I have? My hubs are shot too, and i need to replace them but wasnt sure.

 

You have the cast rotors.

 

Well i went to pull the drums off today and a spring fell out, uh oh. Anywho, turns out the pins had come out and both springs were rolling around inside the brake assembly. Causing the shoes to basically flop around in there, rubbing and creating grooves inside the drum. So after purchasing all new shoes, drums, and hardware I have everything put back together right. Much quieter and definitely stopping better. The only issue now is the little arm that the emergency brake cable attaches to inside the drum is missing in the driver side rear brake. Some real genius must have worked on this thing.