Braking shimmy 2016 Trailhawk
 

While on a recent road trip I noticed a front end shimmy while braking and causing the steering wheel to vibrate. This seems rather troubling. The brake pads are about 1/2 life @ 35k miles. Of course it will go to the dealer very soon but wondered if this is an issue experienced by others and possibly a defect in the braking. Im aware of the "death wobble" issue but from what I've read it was particular to two rotor manufacturers of much older Grand Cherokees. I did not find this issue with the KL Jeeps.

Thanks

The KL has independent front suspension and not a straight front axle. So the death wobble does not apply to your situation. Typically the symptoms you describe are due to a warped rotor or one that has worn unevenly. Turning the rotors or replacing them should fix it

Hi Gatoraied,
We understand that you are just reaching out to other forum members at this time for feedback on your concerns. However, if you do choose to visit a dealer to have this looked into, we would be more than happy to offer our assistance. Please feel free to send us a private message with additional information if this is something that interest you.
Julie
Jeep Social Care Specialist

I have a 2014 with 41K on it. Exact same issue. Was talking to another Cherokee owner - I think his is a 2016 or 15....anyway he had the same issue. It's bad rotors. Cheap parts. He changed his rotors out and all is well. I'm bringing mine in today - not to Jeep - but to my mechanic who I know will put on quality parts. My guess is he will either turn the rotors, or replace, and regardless of the pad life, which I'm sure is like yours - prob lots of life left on them, I'm going to replace with quality pads. Mine is a KL Jeep and so was the guy I mentioned....just bring it in and get new rotors/pads. Another sad issue with these new Jeeps.

Guitar, Thanks for the reply. You know I had a hard time believing the rotors were bad after only 35k miles and thought it had to be something else. Why? because in the 52 years I've owned cars and especially with more than dozen new cars with disc brakes, Ive never ever had a bad rotor. This includes 3/4 & 1/2 ton trucks, SUV's, sports cars and luxury cars. Never! Thats why I thought it had to be something else. Yes, I will replace them all but it puts a dark cloud over a car I've grown to enjoy. Theres no good reason to not have good durable brakes, none! I'm curious if you are installing ceramic pads and or slotted/drilled rotors. Thanks-gator

Rotors warp fast when they get too hot. My Nissan warped the rotors at 25k miles. But that was my fault. Too many race days... I would expect 50k miles to be the normal.

No problem - It's good to share this stuff so that others know the issues - good and bad.

I totally agree and have had the same experience. Never had to replace rotors at 41K. Unless you have a new driver who hits the brakes hard! The update is I had the fronts replaced - backs were ok along with the brake pads. My mechanic - who is quite good and I've been going to him forever - said the front rotors looked black and horrible. Said they were junk. He replaced them with whatever he typically uses - I didn't specify. $370 total - 2 new front rotors, 2 brake pads, labor was about $100 and all the EPA crap. Happy. No more brake and steering wheel shimmy. I also had him look at the front suspension. All good - I was surprised. Figured there was some other defective thing going on....I now come to expect the worse with this defective 2014 Jeep Cherokee. As for the front brakes, I don't want to put any extra expense into this thing. I'll prob sell after the extended warranty is out. Go get a Volvo.... Oh and for comparison. I have a 2011 Toyota Matrix. 60K. Never had to replace rotors. Only brake pads. Quality. Of course not all vehicles are perfect. Toy's have had oil consumption issues, but Toy takes care of their consumers. They pay for their mistakes. Toy did an oil consumption test on all suspected Toyotas including mine. Mine was found to be an issue. This is at around 55K! They took my car for about 3-5 days, gave me a free loaner, and replaced the rings. FREE. Warranty ran out so all this was done out of warranty! So why am I not happy with FCA/JEEP? You get my point. My list of issues with this $40K Jeep is a mile long - Replaced: Trans, Radio/GPS (1 week into purchase), Steering wheel, engine sensor, both front axles (wobble), HVAC system, A/C control unit, sun roof, windshield wiper recall, now a cruise recall coming, multiple system software flashes, seat belt issues, shifter replaced, HID light (w/in warranty), engine modules, reset rear passenger door - was not closing properly from factory, brake booster/hydro - and I'm sure I'm missing some items. Anyway - hope the brake info helps! Back to our normally scheduled non ranting and raving program....:icon_cool:

Guitar,

I know for some people, issues such as warped rotors at relatively low milage, has become the new norm and is considered acceptable. Obviously we're not one of them. Brake rotors can be made to survive extreme and prolonged heat without warping. My pickup truck an '04, which has towed a 5 ton trailer around the country a few times and through every mountain chain now has 165k miles. Its only on its second set of pads and original rotors. Performance such at this does not require magic or exception but only good materials and good design. Your list of issues is incredible and very troubling as its certainly not an isolated occurrence. I bought my jeep to keep for at least 10 years as I don't replace cars often. I do hope my car is an exception, however, seeing issues like your does temper my enthusiasm for mine. Im sure a better quality rotor alloy would have made a big difference and a shame these companies just don't get it. It's now more than clear to me that although my car carries the Jeep name, its built no better than a cheap sedan. Implied "tough" namesakes like Trailhawk are simply marketing ploys. Its a street car with muti 4x4 modes but under its skin lies a thin skinned urban skeleton.Thus far, I consider my issues as minor and hope my car never reaches the level of disrepair as your. Thanks-gator

Totally 100% agree. Good points all around!! Best of luck!