Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

soft brake pedal and pulls left

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 07:47 AM
  #1  
poomero's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default soft brake pedal and pulls left

Like the title says. The xj has a very very soft pedal and it pulls hard left. Should I flush the system and replace everything?
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 08:25 AM
  #2  
jay_sco's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 8
From: IE (SoCal)
Year: 1994 SE
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Pulls hard left while braking? I'd start by noggin pokin. Easier for you to find the problem since you have access to the vehicle, harder to take a wild guess online. Maybe "everything" needs to be replaced, might just be leaking from one spot. When's the last time you inspected your brakes? Is the fluid low?
Soft relative to what? Softer than it has been? Softer than a Porsche brake feel? Is the vehicle new to you?
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 08:47 AM
  #3  
poomero's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default

Its a xj I am thinking about buying. Its softer then any other xj I have ever driven. Would a leak in the line cause a pull? Oh and yes it pulls when the brakes are engaged
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 09:00 AM
  #4  
jay_sco's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 8
From: IE (SoCal)
Year: 1994 SE
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I'd say do the best visual inspection you can, and weigh what you see (or feel) against the price. Could be many things causing the pull, same as the soft feel. Many things but usually somewhat simple to sort out and fix.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 10:45 AM
  #5  
t.mcginley.jr's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 404
Likes: 18
From: New Jersey
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Pulling to one side when braking I would lean towards a frozen/stuck caliper more than a leak. That will also cause soft brakes. You would be able to tell pretty easily by pulling the wheels and calipers off, the pads will be worn all weird and the slide pin(s) probably won't move much if at all.

It doesn't cost that much to R&R the whole brake system, the hard lines are the biggest pain. A leak would be pretty obvious, you would find wet spots were the leak is.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 10:58 AM
  #6  
aj2494's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Michigan
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Best way to check for a frozen caliper IME is to drive it for a while and then feel the wheels. If the brakes are making contact when they're not supposed to, the wheel will be hot.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2016 | 10:59 AM
  #7  
Roler's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Default

Soft pedal can be air in system, old rubber brake hoses, break-booster issue, leak in master cylinder. Or, as in my case: no cause found.

The pulling to one side (only when applied the brakes), would more point towards a failing caliper on the opposite side.
If the pulling towards one side occurs at all times, then a stuck caliper on that side could be the case and most likely also give increased temperature.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jhc7399
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
Feb 20, 2016 09:31 PM
bradleyheathhays
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
Feb 19, 2016 02:41 AM
95xjguy
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
Feb 13, 2016 06:12 PM
Redwolf624
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
Feb 12, 2016 01:44 PM
galvezfour
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
2
Feb 12, 2016 01:14 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:18 AM.