Hi,

Just finished fixing some rust in the back of the old jeep, all nice and sealed. Took it for quite a spin and through city traffic when I started noticing a nasty smell (had windows down to air out the rust paint that was drying) and pulled over to take a look – I had smoke billowing out from the LF wheel house, ie somewhere from the brakes (and the rims were extremely hot.)

I thought the brakes were a bit "mushy" and not really braking when using them, also I heard screeching and a weird metal sound (usually when turning) from them earlier in the day up until the point when something was burning.

I haven't done the lift-wheel-up-and-spin -test just yet but will do sometime tonite I think – but is this a tell sign of busted brake pads or what else?

 

I didn't see what year you have, but the front calipers can stick which means the brake is on all the time, hence the heat, noise etc. Once it cools down, pull the wheel off and take a look. It's a pretty simple system. A couple of bolts hold the caliper on, then a couple more hold the bracket on. Good luck!

 

Sorry about that – it's a XJ-94 (added it to the title, thanks)

Ok, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem (for a guy who has limited expertis when it comes to brake systems)? What should I look for?

 

Just yesterday my caliper stuck on. My 1997 XJ started pulling to the right and then the brake completely got stuck on. Got it towed home. Then replaced the caliper. It was only 22 bucks at advanced auto parts with a core. Easy swap. Good luck!

 

park the vehicle and push the brake down hard then shut off the engine. Jack up the wheel you had trouble with and remove the wheel. Crack the bleeder screw on the caliper. If fluid shoots out with a lot of force then you have a line problem. Over time the soft line can deteriorate and cause fluid to pass under a lot of pressure one way but not release the caliper.

If the fluid doesn't shoot out then you likely have a sticking caliper. Easiest thing is to just replace it.


Mushy brakes is likely caused by old brake fluid. Brake fluid will absorb water and break down. When this happens the heat from the braking force can cause that water to boil causing steam. Air compresses so it makes the brake pedal feel very mushy and the brakes become almost unresponsive.

 

Ok, thanks a lot for the explanation. Out of fright and curiosity – how bad is it if it does shoot out brake fluid?

Also, is this what I'm looking for? And do I need to change them as pairs or will one do?
http://www.abergsvtc.se/shop/images/...ar_18_4340.jpg

Thanks, I'm amazed by the amount of knowledge on this board, it's a great help for a rather novice jeep-owner.

 

If it shoots out brake fluid it is likely the soft line. That is the line between the metal line and the caliper.

As for changing calipers I don't think it is 100% necessary to change both calipers but when I had to replace a caliper I went ahead and did both along with new brake pads. Parts are cheap....especially when you are talking about brakes.

 

Ok, doesn't sound too bad.

Allthough being a jeep-owner in northen Europe does not equal cheap parts, my auto store wants about 180 bucks for one caliper...

 

for a cheap fix just lube the bolts the caliper slides on, I had the same problem and I have not had an issue since.

 

In that case either taking the caliper to be rebuilt or you rebuilding it yourself would be a much more cost effective option. See if you can locate a rebuild kit. It would include several seals. Most kits have enough to do both calipers and are usually under $10 bucks (in the USA)

 

That's a good tip, I'll see if I can have a kit or two sent over.
Is there any way it could be just the brake pads or would that not act like what happened today?

edit.
Is this the kit I'm looking for?
http://www.sbvab.se/jeep/cherokee-xj...-zj-93-98.html

 

Yes according to the description the kit looks like it would work.

It wouldn't be the brake pads because the brake pads do not take part in the release of the caliper.

 

Ok, I'll order them tonite then.
Thanks for all the help!

 

So, I actually ordered 2 new calipers and sets of brake pads (from Germany, half price from the swedish, outrageous, pricing). But now I'm concerned that I should have gotten some rotors as well – being fairly new to brakes I'm wondering what to look for in burned out rotors? And could they (the ones on now) be an issue with brand new calipers?

 

You will know if the rotors are bad when you get new calipers on. It will shake when braking. Should at least. I had a caliper lock up bad once. Rotor was fine. And it got red hot!!!