Hello all, first post here. I am having an issue thats stumping me, my driver side front caliper is smoking after a 30 minute drive. Back story is the jeep is ABS but i swapped non ABS 99 built axles into the rig and cut all the ABS wires. I bought the truck with bad brakes but did a service and the truck felt amazing. I found out during the axle swap the ABS fuse was already pulled but the truck was braking well and somewhat evenly. Cut to the last few weeks i will be driving down the road and the truck starts slightly pulling to the left, then worse and worse as i drive until im cranking the wheel to the right to even out the drive giving me shakey steering from driving it while holding the wheel 1/4 turn right to correct it. Yesterday i changed the 2 front calipers along with Rubicon Express steel lines in the front, i did not change the rotors or pads but the pads are 80 percent health and the rotors looked pretty worn, they are slotted rotors and the slots are getting shallow. After changing the front calipers i am STILL having the exact same issue. I put new drums and shoes in the rear along with new hardlines and new steel supply line. A buddy and me rebled the brakes today and its all looks okay. I am pretty stumped. I greased the pins somewhat well and put it all back together right. Both caliper sets ive had on the truck are old old. Does anyone think it could be an ABS issue? Both knuckles are grooved but the passenger is way worse than the driver side and the driver side is giving me the issue. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

Biggest problem here is you continuing to drive with this issue.

At this point you should probably take it to a qualified mechanic for a proper diagnosis.

 

your response kinda bewildered me. Isn’t this a forum for working on jeeps? The only difference between me and a qualified tech is I think about the parts I buy rather than parts cannon it. I have countless diesel certs and operate an Eaton transmission shop. Thanks for the reply I guess

 

It’s not the ABS. I’d start with repairing or replacing the knuckles.
Check and see if the rotors are within specs.
I doubt if it’s two stuck caliper pistons hanging up in a row but it’s possible.

 

Okay that’s my plan I don’t weld myself but I lined up a buddy to repair the knuckles, I would replace them but I have 1 custom knuckle for my “high steer”. Thanks for the reply.

 

I dont notice if you have replaced the front rubber lines, but that can definitely cause the issue you have

The knuckles should both be weld and ground, its an easy job, fixed my caliper from jamming

(and I cant recall anyone coming back after being advised to do that, even when they had resisted and said "its still not fixed")

 

fair enough, it’s the very next thing I plan on doing so I’ll report back for anyone in the future with this problem