poor brakes - AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM Jeep News Australia and New Zealand

Glenn · #1 12-08-2015

Hi, Any Brake experts out there? I have a 95 Cherokee that I have owned since new, my problem is the brakes have become less than ordinary, just normal braking feels ok but put your foot down hard and they don't feel like they are gripping at all, very heavy. There isn't many km's on the rotors or drums and using mopar pads, I don't believe I have seized slave cylinders or calipers, car pulls up straight. I am starting suspect the brake booster, trouble is there is at least some vacuum assist and holds the vacuum for half any hour or so after the engine stopped. So I don't know, being a duel diaphragm booster is it possible for one diaphragm to be faulty and not give full boost? while not giving any obvious sign of vacuum leaking.

Tyvokka · #2 13-08-2015

Not an expert but have heard that you could upgrade to a WJ brake master cylinder.

bleetnblurt · #3 13-08-2015

have you checked the valve on the booster ? is it at high speed the brakes seem to fail ?
does the brake pedal sink ? (stand on it for a couple of minutes) has the system been flushed ? brake fluid gets hot and can cause it to be harder to work when old fluid) checked the ABS ? any hot spots on the rotors or drums ? checked the rear slaves for leaks ? (peel back the rubber dust cap to see if any fluid comes out ) I would look at your fluid first , bleed the system and get some fresh fluid in there .

Hamsteh · #4 13-08-2015

Also the whole system works terribly if the rear drums are not adjusted

Richard buttocks · #5 13-08-2015

^ this

check drum adjustment and go from there

Glenn · #6 13-08-2015

I've checked the one way valve on the booster, flushed and replaced brake fluid, disks and drums smooth and unmarked, I haven't adjusted drum brakes, but I don't have a soft or spongy pedal, it doesn't leak down when you hold the pedal in, and its not speed related, just heavy unresponsive feeling when needing more braking than normal doesn't lock up brakes. Was thinking of trying metal or semi metalic pads, don't care if they wear out rotors quicker. Still thinking maybe booster but its a lot for a new one.

layback40 · #7 13-08-2015

Try disconnecting the vac hose from the booster & see if the brakes get worse. If not, then its the booster. You need to plug the hose while doing this.