So today I attempted to put new Rotors and pads on my 99 XJ sport 4WD. I've replaced the pads on a car before so it wasnt something completely new for me, I figured it wouldnt be much harder to do the rotors as well. I went to my local AUTO ZONE to get the pads and rotors, as well as everything else i would need to get the job done and after i read a how-to on the forum i gave it a shot.

here is my problem:

After cleaning everything good, putting new rotor on, putting pads on caliper and finally putting it all back together I go to test my XJ on the road, But after i put it in gear the XJ wont budge as if the parking brake is on.

of course i made sure the parking brake was NOT on and still did the same thing. so i took everything apart again to see if something was out of place or what i did wrong,but i couldnt figure it out. I was able to turn the rotors by hand after taking everything apart as if the brakes were not enaged, but as soon as i try to move my XJ with the tires on it wont budge.

PLEASE help me figure it out, Ive been trying to do my own repairs to save money but mostly to feel as if my XJ is really my own. thanks for reading!

 

This does not make sense at all. Did you get the correct pads? What kind of pads are they? I've heard of issues where the pads were so thick that they cause the caliper slides to expand and hit/contact the wheels. Can you confirm that your calipers are not touching your wheels while the car is on the ground?

Check to make sure you got the right size pads AND rotors. I would even match them up to the old ones and measure.

 

Its the wrong rotors!!! there are 2 different ones avalible for that modle year. the rotor hats are two different heights. 82mm or 78mm tall

rock auto list:
RAYBESTOS Part # 7142R Professional Grade; Outside Diameter 11.02" / 5 Bolt Holes (Rebate/Promotion Available! See Promotions & Rebates Page for Details.)
Full Cast Replacement; 1-1/8" Wheel Stud Length; Front (Only 1 Remaining)
$20.89Add to Cart RAYBESTOS Part # 780444R {#7142R} Professional Grade; Outside Diameter 11.02" / 5 Bolt Holes (Rebate/Promotion Available! See Promotions & Rebates Page for Details.)
Full Cast Replacement; 1-1/8" Wheel Stud Length; Original Equipment Composite Rotor Design; Front
$25.79Add to Cart WAGNER Part # BD125039 Brake Rotor
Front; w/OE Composite Rotor; 2-31/32" Mounting Height; Full-Cast Rotor; Replaces OE Composite Design
$28.79Add to Cart RAYBESTOS Part # 76923R Professional Grade; Outside Diameter 11.03" / 5 Bolt Holes (Rebate/Promotion Available! See Promotions & Rebates Page for Details.)
1-1/2" Wheel Stud Length; Original Equipment Full Cast Iron Rotor Design; Front
$28.79Add to Cart CENTRIC Part # 12067022 Premium Rotor-Preferred
Body code XJ; 82mm Tall; Mid Size; Front
$33.79Add to Cart WAGNER Part # BD125716 Brake Rotor
Front; 2-3/4" Mounting Height; OE Full Cast Rotor
$33.79Add to Cart CENTRIC Part # 12067045 Premium Rotor-Preferred
Body code XJ; 78mm Tall; Mid Size; Front
$42.79Add to Cart ATE Part # CW24702
3-3/16" Total Height; Front (Only 2 Remaining)- Stocked in outlying warehouse--shipping delayed up to 1 business day$55.79Add to Cart FERODO Part # DDF1027 Vented; Sold In Pairs

 

I'll try switching the rotor, I had no idea there were 2 different sizes.

 

I had a 99 an had the same issues! good luck! I sure this is it though!

 

I hope so! Sorry for sounding like such a newbie, I didn't know how else to explain it. I guess this is how you learn tho.=D

 

yep... No worries

 

The guy behind the parts counter should have asked a few questions, he is partly to blame.

 

When replacing rotors - or most anything else - ALWAYS COMPARE THE NEW PART TO THE OLD ONE!

It's not surprising AutoChina gave you the wrong ones - they are famous for that. Even if it was the right ones, they'll be inferior Chinese junk.
And the pads will probably be the "lifetime" pads. They are too hard to give good stopping and will wear out those junk rotors.

Next time go to a real parts house - NAPA, CarQuest etc. Quality parts cost slightly more, but work better and last alot longer == much cheaper in the long run.

When I had my shops I would not install chain store parts. I had to stand behind my work. If we couldn't do it right we wouldn't take the job.

 

Returned the rotors and decided to go to NAPA instead. They were able to match up which new rotor I needed and they fit and worked perfectly! Thanks a lot for your help guys! Now I know to do a little more research next time.

 

1990-1998 COMPOSITE Rotors.
Do they take 78mm or 82mm?

 

I have a 99 also. I always take in one of the old rotors and match it up. I've got the wrong size twice

 

Take old rotor to store to compare .

 

You got the wrong rotors. Just happened to me on Saturday working on my buddy's 99. You need the rotors for the Jeeps equipped with the 1.5" lug studs.

 

Good point.

The difference in these rotors is .020". I didn't catch it.