Hello all,

I have a 1991 xj. I'm hoping to get some advice as to where to start to identify where this noise and pulsation is coming from. It's always had this problem since I bought it over a year ago. At slow speeds, below 10 mph, and only while braking, I'm getting a high pitched scraping noise coming from the front (I believe front middle), and a low-pitched brake shoe sound from the rear. Each noise occurs once per rotation of the axle. I tested it with the emergency brake, and the same thing occurs (both front and rear noises). There are no issues braking at high speeds. I have replaced the drums, shoes, drum hardware, calipers, and rotors with all new from powerstop. Lo and behold the noises are all the same, I daresay worse as time goes on. I daily drive my xj to and from work, a 20 minute commute, and by the end of the commute the noise is significantly louder than when I just start out, but only when coming to a stop below 10 mph. It is getting worse and it's kinda driving me nuts since the brakes are all brand new and I have no idea what else would be causing a pulsating and scraping. I'm a novice so I may have missed something in installing the brakes, but that doesn't explain why this has been an issue the whole time I've owned it.
Extra info:
I have a 3.5" or so lift. I have the D30 front D35 rear. I'm running 245 75 r16 from the previous owner. I've replaced most of the suspension except the control arms (cheap amazon from previous owner). Oh, and ABS has been deleted.

Thanks for any help,

Lauren

 

For the front, make sure the dust shields aren't touching. The e-brake makes the front scrape?

 

Okay I did check that when I installed but I can double check to be certain. Yes, that's why I tried the e brake to see if the noise still came from the front and sure enough it did.

 

Check your front wheel bearings. A worn hub bearing can cause a scraping noise and pulsation that feels like a brake problem, especially at low speed. Since it gets worse as things heat up on your commute, that's a classic sign. The lift and bigger tires put extra stress on them, making wear more likely.
Also, double-check that your brake caliper brackets are installed correctly and that the pads slide freely. A sticking pad can cause similar issues.

 

Okay thank you! Unfortunately the front wheel bearings are also new -- I replaced them earlier this year with good ones. I'll double check the brackets and the pads - I think they do slide freely but it doesn't hurt to make sure.