Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: How to Replace Brake Line

A leaking brake line affects your Jeep Cherokee's brake pressure, which results in weak braking. Learn how to replace it here.

By Jeremy Perrod - August 27, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001).

Rubber brake lines tend to crack and wear over time. The brake system is a pressurized system, which means any air introduced to it could tremendously affect it. It's recommended that you check for leaks on a consistent basis, especially if you feel any difference in your brake pedal feel. Don't drive with a leaking brake line. Replacing a brake line is not too hard of a process, it just takes patience and about an hour of your time. Here's how to do it yourself.

Materials Needed

  • Box wrenches
  • A hose
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Lug nut wrench
  • Empty bottle for help with bleeding
  • An assistant
  • Adjustable clamp

Step 1 – Raise car and remove wheel

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will be replacing the brake line behind, then raise the car. Secure the car with jack stands, and remove the lug nuts, then fully remove the wheel.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Car - CherokeeForum.com)

Figure 1. After the vehicle is raised, remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel.

Step 2 – Remove old brake line

Use some clamps to squeeze shut the brake line right near the caliper's connection. This will help with lessening the mess you'll make.

Figure 2. A clamp can be purchased for as little as two dollars.

Now, you'll want to unbolt the bolt from the caliper itself. This will introduce some air into the system, so be prepared to bleed it at the end of your replacement. It's a banjo fitting, so once you unbolt it, fluid will come out (especially if you didn't pinch the line), so have a container and rags ready to catch it. You don't want that corrosive fluid dripping on the ground too much.

Figure 3. Remove the two bolts from the caliper to remove it.

Pro Tip

Brake fluid is very bad for paint. If it gets on it, wipe and wash it off immediately.

Step 3 – Connect new line

Be ready with a rag, then connect the new brake line exactly in the same spot you removed the old one from.

Figure 4. Installation of the new brake line should be a snap.

Step 4 – Bleed system

After connecting the new line and tightening its bolts, you'll need to bleed your braking system from any air. Connect a hose to the bleeder screw on the caliper, then loosen the screw. Have a friend pump the brakes, watch the fluid go from the caliper to an empty bottle, then tighten the screw when you stop seeing air bubbles. Top off the brake reservoir and keep checking it for a few days to come.

Figure 5. Have an assistant sit in the car and press the brake pedal to push any air out.

Featured Video: New Brake Lines and Hoses

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