My brakes are kind of sloppy when I hit the pedal. They work but definetly could be better. I'm afraid that since I hit the brakes so hard that when it snows they are just going to lock up because of how hard I'm braking on dry pavement. I can hear a hissing sound from the pedal area when I brake. Its more prevalant when its cold out. Is there a leak someplace that is letting air in. The problem never gets worse but I'd like to diagnos this before winter really hits. Its a 1990 Cherokee.
Problem with brakes....
- Thread starter Sly8795
- Start date
graewulf
New member
Selling Jeep - building house, very sad day
I'd start by bleeding the system - sounds like you may have air in there. Also, a test for you- while stopped, put your foot on the pedal and hold steady pressure - if the pedal slowly drops, its either a leak or (more likely) the master cylinder.
I'd start by bleeding the system - sounds like you may have air in there. Also, a test for you- while stopped, put your foot on the pedal and hold steady pressure - if the pedal slowly drops, its either a leak or (more likely) the master cylinder.
firemanharry
New member
If you hold your foot on the pedal and hear an "air hissing" type of sound then chances are it's something to do with your vacuum booster. This would be the case if you have good braking but just have to apply more pressure to the pedal to brake effectively. If you have to pump your brakes a few times before getting a good pedal or the pedal slips away slowly while holding it, then I'd say it's more likely to be a air or master cylinder problem. Hope this helps. 8)
Thats exactly what it is. I hold with steady pressure and then it makes the hissing noise. If i apply a lot of pressure i can lock them up but it takes me pretty much standing on it to do so. Is that something that is hard to fix or do they have some sort of rebuild kit incase some seal goes on it?
The entire brake sys is fairly easy to rebuild, I just replaced everything in mine (91 xj, 4x4 4.0L) and had it done in about a day ...the only part that was really costly (and I didnt need luckily) was the booster. I prefer to buy the rebuilt parts b/c kits are a pain unless you have compressed air (which I dont anymore) and are very time consuming, plus the rebuilds are lifetime warranty (while the kits are all on you). When my brakes went out is was very like you described I had to stand on it to "lock them up." Best of luck!
renegade package??
Just wondering what parts you replaced on yours? What did you find the actual problem to be? I have had this problem for probably 2 years and never bothered to fix it till now. Its not bad but driving when there is snow with my brakes like that is a pain and nerve racking. thanks for your responses
Just wondering what parts you replaced on yours? What did you find the actual problem to be? I have had this problem for probably 2 years and never bothered to fix it till now. Its not bad but driving when there is snow with my brakes like that is a pain and nerve racking. thanks for your responses
well I had a "feeling" that my brakes were wearing although I couldnt pin it down, there wasnt any shudder like you have just a gut feeling, then one night on the way home from the theater the pedal started hanging and I had to "stand up" on it to stop. The jeep did stop but it sucked so much brake fluid down that the system became airborne. I discovered that one of the front caliper pistons had hung up causing the back brakes to take on more than their share of braking *(they were worn right hell down) although I had NO pulling to one side as is typical when a brake caliper locks up. I started with the front calipers (chucked them both when I discovered the pistons hanging up-the pistons are plastic-crap but light weight-you have no choice but to buy a rebuilt caliper w/new pistons and guide pins installed-its the only way to go). To be sure about the vehicle's safety when I replaced the rear pads I replaced the wheel cylinders as well (easy cheap fix) the worst part of the rear brakes is the brake dust and the springs. I also replaced the master cylinder b/c there was a residue buildup on the underside of the master cyl that appeared to be brake fluid leaking down on the booster. Since brake fluid is just about the most corrosive fluid in your car, I decided to chuck the master cyl in an attempt to save the booster. I didnt need to replace brake lines, but then again I live in the south where rust is not a problem, when I lived up north I had to replace brake lines once *and its NO DAMN fun. So you might want to check your lines for leaks. Following the advice of the people on this site I purged the brake sys (essentially bleed it twice) after getting it all back together and she's been working fine ever since. By the way when the weather's bad (rain snow) the slush, being full of sand dirt and grit operates like a rubbing compound on your brakes, so you may have some premature wearing just from that alone compounding your problem.
firemanharry
New member
If you have a constant air hissing sound when your foot is on the pedal then I'd say it's most likely something to do with the booster. Have someone hold the pedal while you listen for where the air noise is coming from. I found booster units for a 1990 cherokee at www.partsamerica.com for about $75.00. While you're getting parts you might as well take the wheels off and check the condition of the rest of your brake system. This is one area of your ride that you don't want to skimp on.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/power-brake2.htm
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http://auto.howstuffworks.com/power-brake2.htm
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