1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4.0L from North America
Summary:
Bad brakes and stay away from the dealer
Faults:
The wheel hubs had to be replaced at 3000 miles.
The brakes have squeaked since we owned it. Dealer says it is normal.
Rear brake drums had to be replaced at 19,000. Due to being warped.
A clunking noise is coming from the rear of the vehicle (again) when applying the brakes at moderate speeds.
This is only to name a few problems with the brakes.
General Comments:
There is obviously a problem with the brake system on this vehicle, and I am getting no help from the dealer.
The car rides good and has plenty power.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 22nd August, 2001
25th Sep 2004, 01:13
The wife and I own a 2000 Cherokee with 44000 miles.
We own her. She drives her. I fix her.
Twice she's had a clunking noise, much as you describe.
Here's how WE'VE fixed her:
Put her in the air (with no load on her rear springs).
Cleaned the grime from between her springs (rust and grime binds her springs).
Used hi-pressure water and compressed air (ensured I had all the rust & grime out).
Spread the spring-pack slightly small screwdriver and sprayed in some silicone grease.
Blew the grease through with compressed air to ensure her springs well lubricated.
Note: Her rear brakes were dragging? *
So, under light braking we'd hear her clicking or clunking but, under hard braking not so much.
We did a good cleaning of her rear brakes including the drums (got all of the grime out).
Then we adjusted the rear brakes, so they don't drag, scuff, or click (without brakes applied.)
We put her back together.
Wife test-drove - No noise:)!
If the noise comes back, I'll do her again . . . Good Truck!
*If her park brake set, but is not well enough SET to stop her, and someone tells her to back-up,
She Will!
And as she does, she automatically re-adjusts her rear brakes.
This can and will make the clicking, scuffing, dragging come back instantly!
So, either SET THE PARK BRAKE or don't touch it.
But it's the rust and grime that bind her . . .
2nd Mar 2002, 10:23
The clunking is not necessarily the brakes. Could be bushings. When the brakes are applied the bushings that are part of the wheel stabilizers are worn or faulty...a simple matter to fix.