I own a 1991 Briarwood that runs well...has virtually no rust and a typically used (albeit leather)interior. The vehicle is stock, looks pretty damn good and only has 147000 miles (original)on it. Motor and tranny seem fine and all was well until January when my red Brake light came on.
Turns out the ABS Pump and Actuator are bad. These items were subject to a recall and a "lifetime guarantee". Jeep and Chrysler said they would not repair as vehicle is too old. Their offer..we will buy it from you at appraised value and crush it. I am contesting this but am running out of time. I use the jeep every week or so just to keep it running.
My VA inspection runs out in April and am told it will not pass inspection with the warning light on.. I've seen some posts on this forum recommending swapping the whole brake system out for this defect. I am not even remotely capable of doing that.
I know I will get peanuts from Chrysler/Jeep...If I lose this fight how would I find someone (an old jeep lover)interested in buying for for a fair price....post it on this or some other forum?
Thanks for any feedback

 

Brake parts wear out and need to be replaced. If your ABS parts have failed, replace them, then pass your inspection and problem solved.

 

Thanks for the reply, the issue is that the ABS pump motor and actuator need replacement. This repair would cost approx $3000 according to Jeep Dealer. The 2 items in question have a lifetime warranty according to the recall.
I am going back and forth with Chrysler and the NHTSA on this recall. BUT if it isn't resolved I will be trying to find some one looking for a Briarwood. That's why I gave this forum a shot.

 

This:

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...=1#post3936886

They (pump and actuator) ARE covered, and if the dealer is telling you otherwise, they're either lying or stupid.



Personally, I'd remove the ABS system altogether assuming that wouldn't be a problem for inspection; that Bendix-9 system is garbage anyway. I'd put a dual-diaphram booster in, gut the ABS, and convert to rear discs.

 

We are in agreement that the PUMP and Actuator are covered, Unfortunately the dealer contacted Chrysler and was told due to "time" (their words,not mine) they would not fulfill the recall. I called Chrysler Customer Service and they advised that the district manager "ruled" no. So it is not the dealer. I have contacted the NHTSA and my Federal Senators office to see whether they agree that a Chrysler employee can decide arbitrarily that a lifetime recall won't be honored. Still waiting for final answer,but am not hopeful.
As far as swapping out the brake system local mechanic won't go near it.
I may have to sell and that's why I posted on this forum....thought I'd find a way to contact someone who might be interested in a Briarwood since they are
growing increasingly scarce.

 

Is It something you can get the parts for and do yourself? Seems like it'd be a lot cheaper to do that

 

Pull the light bulbs from the cluster and get it inspected. Without the lights on the inspector won't know.

 

My mechanic wouldn't do it...says the pressure in the actuator is over 2000 psi. I don't want to even consider anything but a repair in accordance with the recall ....or sell to someone willing to swap out the brakes.

 

What is 2000 psi?? I removed the abs system in my XJ and replaced it with non-abs stuff I pulled at the junkyard. Took me about 3 hours including the run to the yard. Never had touched a brake system before in my life but it wasn't hard.

 

Re the light bulbs from cluster...... hmmmm 'On
hmmmm Wouldn't rule that out.

 

I had the same problem on my 89 & 90 xj. I went to the junkyard and pulled the master brake cylinder & booster from a newer Cherokee and warped it out. The ABS system is garbage. I used a standard system off of a 2000 xj and it's the best braking I've had out all 4 of my xj. The 2000 has a large brake booster which equals more braking power. There was a few mods that I had to do, but overall, it work great.

 

There's also a lot of people willing to purchase a Briarwood even if the brakes don't work.

 

Older xjs like his have a crazy abs setup, it's not nearly as easy as the newer ones to swap out, also to the OP if you can swap to the newer system I would try that, I've heard of it done before supposedly you need to pump the pedal like fifty times to alleviate pressure and then remove it I'd definitely do some more research before attempting it but best of luck to you.

 

you guys noticed your responding to a year old post, right?