I have a 95 Jeep Cherokee 2WD. Purchased 2 yrs. ago. Previous owner didn't love her as much, so it's been quite the little money pit since. Now, I am not the type of girl who knows much about cars, but I envy those who do, so whenever I've had any work done outside of the shop (most of my repairs) I try and watch and learn, and have quite often browsed this site to help rule out issues. The only way I can understand half of what I read on here is thanks to my Haynes manual. So bare with my explanation as it is probably far from technical, I'm just telling it as it happened in my own words.

If you are still reading, thanks. Newest issue:

Jeep shook violently only when breaking at speeds 55+mph, only then. Couldn't tell if it was in pedal or steering wheel, felt like whole damn jeep would shake right off the wheels, had to take foot off brake for it to calm down.

Jeep was getting leaks repaired at Aamco, told them about shake since it was already there, they said breaks look great, must be suspension related, was told to take to suspension shop.

Based on what I told suspension shop they said it had to be brake related because "it only happens when breaking" or could be the dealth wobble... decided to keep researching. It is not the dealth wobble..from what I've read that happens outside of braking.

Research led me to believe it was rear drums and shoes, mechanic friend replaced, bled lines (I even helped hold shoes together while putting on spring, got dirty, ended up having to get a tetanus shot, felt like a real Jeep owner). Still shaking, but no longer violently, more of a shimmy.

More research led to a bunch of tire problems, I had tires so bad the shop said they were probably illegal, so had new ones put on at Tread Quarters and alignment done. Still shaking, said brakes looked fine (had to remind him they were replaced about a week ago to explain the look of "duh" on my face)

Took back to shop, told them what was going on, had them do an inspection of the suspension (why not), they said everything looked and felt secure, the only component with any play was the stabilizer something "like a tiny shock" he said. But shouldn't be causing my problems. They test drove on interstate and said it was definitely the rear, most likely the drums, said it was common to get bad drums right out of the box (fun...not)

Swapped out the week old drums for new ones, was super pumped to finally have fixed the problem....still shaking. Also noticed driver side rotor and drum very hot compared to passenger side (didn't think to check this earlier, really don't know what I'm doing here)

Took back to shop told them about hot rotor/drum and asked them to check rear shoes because although my mechanic friend is knowledgable, he had never done shoes before, I figure we had done something wrong, forgot to do something, adjust something...there were so many pieces! Shop called and said they couldn't tell by looking, and couldn't find anything and when they drive it still feels like rotors, or that maybe I got bad shoes from store, but really didn't think it was likely. Asked me to tell them again of the issue from day one, said they would dig deeper tomorrow.

Called my airplane mechanic dad for advice on what steps to take next (he may fix jets but he has kept his 72 Chevy Stepside running for as long as I can remember) he said he'd have to drive it but threw out words like calipers, master cylinder, and proportional valve? Research has pretty much ruled out valve as brakes do NOT lock, as for brake calipers..maybe..but it does NOT pull to one side, haven't ruled out or completely ruled in the master cylinder.

I just want to feel safe on the interstate as it is necessary in my travel everyday for work, and unfortunately I am running out of funds to blindly throw at this issue (money pit or not, still love her). I'll see what the shop says tomorrow and will be sure to update, but in the chance of them still being stumped, I wanted to see what you all thought, you knowledgable Jeep owners you.

I'm sorry this post is so long but because I barely know what I'm talking about, I don't know what you would find relevant or not. THANKS FOR READING

 

I would have the shop look at the front driver brakes, most likely the caliper is sticking, like your dad said, or it is the hose swelling shut.

 

X2 on that ^ also check your rotors to see if they are warped because that can cause a shake at 50+MPH while braking

 

Check rotors for warping and the calipers sticking. Check rear axle u bolts and leaf mounts, mine got a little loose on me overtime, always happens when lifting it

 

Agree with warped rotors...

Ant...

 

Thanks for all of the replies. Question though-would warped front rotors cause shaking in the pedal? I replaced the rear drums twice. They were replaced second time less than a week ago...

Did u-joint a couple of months ago

 

If your meaning can you feel the shaking in your foot while it's on the brake pedal,yes.

 

I think its time to find a different shop to work with... If fixing/replacing the calipers and turning/replacing the rotors doesn't get the issue. You might find an axle shop, check the axle for being bent. Being 2wd it wont be U-joints but you could have a bad unit bearing. The damper (steering shock), shouldn't be the cause, but its purpose in life is reduction of ocillation/shaking of the front end. putting one in might help. Have you had the tires balanced and checked for bent wheels. Might also be a good idea to check the alignment, http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoAlignment.htm.

 

Warped rotors like stated above. They can look fine but still be warped. Any general repair shop should know this. If warped bad the pedal will pulsate and the steering wheel can shake. Either replace the rotors or have them turned. I will say that once a rotor warps once it's cut true again it can be really close to min thickness and thinner rotors will warp easier than thicker so it could happen again.

Miles

 

First, I want to day thank you for all if your replies. Second, I'd like to apologize, I thought my problem to be unique, hence my drawn out plea for help, but it wasn't. It ended up being front rotors-I swore I felt shaking in the pedal leading me to think it was the rear. Anywho-there you have it. You guys really know your stuff and are nice to help people out

 

And now you know. Cheaper to ask and then fix it yourself. Plus you'll know it's done right.

 

Well any repair shop should have test drove it and should know what the problem is for something like that. I would be frustrated too if I replaced a bunch of parts and still had the same issue. Asking advice is free and can help out a ton. It's not too often an issue arises that has not been dealt with before and with the collective knowledge this forum someone will have the answer 99% of the time. I'm glad you got your problem taken care of .

Miles

 

Jeepers help Jeepers. And exactly, way cheaper than throwing parts at it. Plus someone on here has either had it before or knows how to test it to get it fixed.

 

Well thanks guys! And thanks for putting it all in terms I could understand I feel like I learned something, thanks so much for that!