Hey guys, new member here and I'm having some problems with my 2001 xj. Well, it all started when my front right capiler stuck. I replaced it, as well as the soft line and rotor on that side as well as new brakes on both sides. All was well for maybe 1000 miles. Recently I get really bad shaking when I brake over 40, or down hill at any speed. Steering wheel wobbles and the seats shake. I'm not real sure rpeo it could be. Any help would be appreciated it. It's bone stock if that helps, thank you.

 

Also, what is that worn bushing in this pic? I'm new to wrenching and trying to learn

 

Forgot pic

 

Update, just removed the rotor, pads and caliper and the caliper was stuck stuck to the my. This is the 3rd caliper to do this in less than 1500 miles, what could cause multiple calipers to stick? Here's a pic of the caliper with pads on. The pads look wasted and they're almost brand new. Also it looks like the plunger part on the caliper is stuck pushed forward, please help.

 

Update 2. I think it's the brake line. Had my wife press the brakes while I watched the calpier. The plunger pushed but didn't allow the fluid to go back to the master cylinder. Pushed bother sides of the brake pads flush. My question is, is it harmful to drain all the brake fluid, replace the brake hoses, and then install a new Caliper tomorrow? Is it harmful to drain the master cylinder or do ya just have to use more brake fluid to flush the air? Also, on an xj you only need to bleed the front 2 right? Rear and front tires are separate? Can someone please help a guy out? The thread about driving with your back hatch open got 3 pages of replies

 

Check your master cylinder- flush out your brake lines
And that bushing looks like it's the sway bar

 

if you're positive the issue is the calipers, the easiest way to fix the problem is to get new ones. another option would be to rebuild them, but like it was said above I'd also look into the master cylinder.

not sure if it's the same on all xjs, but mine has a single brake fluid reservoir, not 2. so it feeds all 4 corners.

if you drain the fluid, air will get in the system and you will need to bleed it. if you change the calipers you will also need to bleed, but it will take a lot less time because you didn't draw air in the system. but make sure to constantly top it off so it stays that way.

unless you really think there is something wrong with the fluid, I wouldn't flush it all. do the brake job and then bleed all four brakes. having someone helping with this would be a bonus, if you don't know how just check youtube, lots of videos.

 

Well this is the 3rd caliper I've had lock up in less than 1500 miles between all 3. I assumed the first was how old it was, second I wrote off as being a crappy part from the factory, but 3 calipers? Something has to be causing it. I'm thinking the brake line is letting fluid get in but not out

 

That's the sway bar, I just replaced mine and it was very simple, I'll try to find the parts I used.

 

forget what I said about the calipers then, look into the master cylinder. i read a thread with the opposite problem, the guy completely lost his brakes, brake pedal offered no resistance and he didn't know where to look. ended up being the MC.

 

So ya don't think it could be the brake line? It's original and I only have had problems with this one brake

 

Sometimes it takes a minute for a post to be seen, so to speak.
So it's just the one Cali acting up? You replaced hose on that cali ?
Look at bracket where cali slides. Unusual wear on it ?
Also, when you get new cali, inspect it closely for wear where it rides/slides on cali bracket (presuming it's rebuilt not brand new)

 

The bushing you are trying to identify:

A sway bar link bushing. (not a sway bar bushing). You can buy sway bar link bushings for very little, or simply buy a kit with 2 new sway bark links and bushings for around $20.

 

Also make sure to use caliper grease on slide points. Also make sure those stainless steel rattle shims are in place. If caliper pins/bolts/bushings (whatever they are called) are in good/perfect shape and are greased.

 

Well, it been 3 capilers in as many months. Tomorrow I'm replacing the ac compressor, master cylinder, both front shocks, rotors, brakes and the linkage. Wish me luck. And bourbon.