So I just bought this 01 Jeep Cherokee sport about 2 months ago and it already needs a 850.00 repair according to the mechanic.

I was hoping to do the repair my self, and was wondering if you guys think its doable for someone with little car knowledge (but quick learner)

So according to him I'll need to replace the following

- Rear break drums/shoes
- Rear Break Line
- Wheel Cylinder
- Rear brake hardware

Basically everything in the rear breaks

Thanks!

 

Drums can be a PITA... Do you have a friend that knows cars pretty well? If so have him hang out with you while you do the work. If not, my advice would be get a repair manual and take a picture of the drum internals before you start replacing the parts.

 

For around two hundred bucks you can get all of the needed parts and required tools to do the job. That is way better than almost 900 bucks in my book.

 

Thanks! I think I'll try doing it myself. 200 sounds way better than 850 and I'll learn something.

Seeing as how I'm a complete noob is there anywhere I can find a list of parts/tools I'll need to buy?

 

Just clean everything with soapy water first, then one side at a time (tear down). You can always check the other side to make sure it's right. I hate rear brakes, just did mine



Just go slow!

 

be ready to have some bloody knuckles with the springs but you will learn quick its easy just take your time

 

For about $400 he could swap in an 8.8 and just have disk brakes in the rear. Still way better than $900.

 

My biggest worry is the break lines. Im not sure if they're hyrdolic and if they are I know they have to be done a special way

 

Which brake line? Is it the hose that goes from the chassis to the axle or the hard lines running from the hose to each drum?

Drums are easy.

 

Tools that you will need are a flare wrench set for the brake line to the wheel cylinder, drum brake spring tool set, and then just basic hand tools. NAPA or local parts houses will have, or can get the tools for you. If you really want to spend some cash, you can venture onto the tool trucks, like Snap-On, MAC, or Matco. You may not need them very often, but they are worth having.

 

WD-40!!!

 

When it comes to drums I always recommend removing the drum from both sides but start and finish one side before beginning the other side. That way you always have one to look at for reference. I've done drums a hundred times but still get stuck with the stupid springs and brackets from time to time.

 

Take pictures along the way as you take everything apart. Don't take too much apart till you fix one thing then move on to the next or the other side.