Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993-1998: How to Replace Rear Calipers

Even though a brake caliper isn't a component that needs to be replaced often in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, sometimes they can go bad. Here's how to replace it yourself on your rear wheel.

By Bassem Girgis - October 7, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ (1993-1998).

The brake calipers are designed to last for the life of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, things happen and they can go bad. One of the bad things that could happen to a brake caliper is that it could get stuck, which will result in a burning smell, mild smoke from the wheel, and more-than-usual heat. Replacing it isn't hard, but you will have to bleed your brake from any air afterwards, or you could have a spongy-feeling brake pedal. Read on to learn how you can replace the caliper on your own Jeep.

Figure 1. Brake caliper.

Materials Needed

  • Jack and jack stands
  • Tire iron
  • Wrench set
  • Hose
  • Bottle

Step 1 – Raise the car

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will be replacing the caliper on. Raise the car on the proper jack points on the frame in front of the rear wheel. Finally, remove the lug nuts and the wheel.

Figure 2. Proper jacking points for the Grand Cherokee.

Step 2 – Remove the caliper

Remove the brake line hose, which is 9/16. As soon as you remove the hose, place it on the new caliper immediately.

Remove the two half-inch bolts holding the caliper in place; one is on top and the second is on the bottom.

Figure 3. Remove three bolts total, one connects the brake line with caliper.

Step 3 – Install new caliper

Install the two brake pads into the new caliper, and place the caliper on the hub. Tighten the two half-inch bolts on the top and the bottom of the caliper. The brake line should have been installed already in the previous step.

  • Figure 4. Insert pads into caliper.
  • Figure 5. Place caliper over hub.
  • Figure 6. Tighten the two bolts on the back of the caliper.

Step 4 – Bleed brakes

Since the brake system is a pressurized one, any air that goes into it will affect its feel and effectiveness. After lowering the vehicle, locate the bleeder valve on the back of the caliper and connect a clear hose to it. Connect the other end of the hose into a bottle. Ask a helper to press and hold the brake pedal down as you loosen the caliper bleed valve. This will press out old brake fluid from the caliper. After a few seconds, close the valve, and your assistant can get off the pedal. Rinse and repeat this process several times. As the fluid is coming out, inspect it for air bubbles. Those air bubbles are detrimental to braking performance, so the bleeding process must continue until there are no more air bubbles.

  • Figure 7. Bleeder valve.
  • Figure 8. Bleed brakes.

Pro Tip

Even though the other brake caliper might be working properly, it's recommended you replace brake components at the same time. So when replacing the rear calipers, replace the other rear one. The process is the same.

(Related Article: How to Bleed Brakes - CherokeeForum.com)

Featured Video: Jeep Grand Cherokee Caliper Replacement

Related Discussions