Hello
Yesterday my brakes failed. I was in a traffic jam, the stop and go kind, and out of nowhere my footpedal went down to the floor but my jeep kept going. The night before I had checked my brake fluid and it was full, although darkish. I was planning to replace it next week and have my mechanic check the brakes. Backstory: Right before covid lockdown March 2020 my mechanic had replaced the rear brake shoes and all the rear seals. He's a good local mechanic, excellent reputation. I don't drive the jeep overly much. Twice a week to work and a few trips for groceries etc. It's a 1998 A/T RWD Cherokee with approx 105k miles (the mileage may be off, because the gauge cluster keeps going in and out). I bought it in March 2019 with 95k miles, it had a single owner (government vehicle) so I assumed had pretty good maintenance.
I had it towed to my mechanic who was not at his garage- over the phone he thought either master cylinder or ABS system. I will meet him later today and hand over the keys. Google brought up some front brake disc issues which had a technical service bulletin.
I was wondering if I could get some feedback from you guys and compile a checklist of sorts of what to go over on the whole brake system, to make sure it all is up to par, because this experience scared the crap out of me. If it is the master cylinder, can it be fixed? If not, do you recommend a new one, rebuilt one or can I go to the junkyard? Want to be prudent but not overspend. Googling prices for master cylinder yesterday and it seemed a pricey item. But trying to keep to OEM parts, not a fan of aftermarket unless proven superior. Anything else to watch for? Also, my emergency brake somewhat worked, but what can I do to make it better? Thanks alot, I have learned alot from reading these threads.

 

If it is the MC, just get a new one. Why chance having the same thing happen when you can just get a new one and have peace of mind...

Have your mechanic do a complete brake system inspection. This includes all the lines, make sure they're not corroded. Definitely replace and flush the fluid. Have him adjust the parking brake, sounds like it's out of adjustment.

 

Thank you, this was what I was thinking. New one. If I want OEM, where's the best places to get one?

 

Napa, or online

 

If I want OEM, where's the best places to find the part number? is there a good place to look up the OEM part? When I go to some mopar parts places online, I keep getting either nothing, or unavailable/discontinued parts, and when I plug a mopar number I was given into another website, I get conflicting results or its for the wrong year. Is there a single website that will give the original part number even if discontinued and give the replacement number or do I need the FSM for that?

 

I went to store.mopar.com. They have no results for 1998 vehicle. Apparently too old?
I went to NAPA, they do not give the Mopar part. Those parts may be good, but I would prefer an actual OEM.
I went to moparpartsoverstock.com. They give me a bunch of nuts and bolts, literally. No brake master cylinder.
went to Chryslerfactoryparts. They give me the reservoir cap, some nuts and bolts.
Went to Tasca. They gave me Mopar V1102622AA.
Plugged that number in to moparpartsgiant to verify part number. They say "This part does not fit the vehicle you selected"
When I clicked on the "parts that do fit" they gave me two alternatives. One of them looks like the part on there now. Mopar 4761941.
When I go to the other websites to doublecheck that number they say "This part does not fit the vehicle you selected", and that it is for the 2001 Jeep.
Summit Racing gave back only reservoir caps, hose clips and body molding fasteners.
Is there a place that will give a straight answer to what Mopar/OEM part number I need? What am I doing wrong??

 

The parts diagram shows 4761941, fits 95-01 XJ Cherokees and 95-98 Grand Cherokees. Discontinued, so I doubt you're going to find oem. I'd just go with NAPA house brand, new not refurbished.

 

Ok thank you! Are NAPA parts considered the best non-OEM part supply place for the XJ? I see alot of people on here are fans. Rockauto lists Centric, Raybestos. Any good? Are Crown and Dorman considered inferior? Thank you for your help! I want to get the most reliable parts for the brake system.

PS where do you find the parts diagram? is that from the online jeep manual I see some people link to? Is that reliable? (russian website??)

 

Crown and Dorman tend to be okay quality, not great. Cardone is garbage. I think they're all made in China these days, but of the bunch I'd probably go with the a/c delco one.

The Russia site is okay.