Jeep brake overhaul
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is proving to be a good purchase. It has a real charm and there’s something rather captivating about its no-nonsense design and build. Then there’s the lusty V8, with its plentiful torque and sultry soundtrack. Mind you, it’s good that it’s been converted to run on LPG. This is the only way that my son David could afford to run such a bigengined beastie!
Talking of big engines, due to the sizeable and potent power plant, this particular Jeep is fitted with large diameter disc brakes ...all-round. However, when David bought this Jeep, the seller did mention that it suffered from some brake judder ...and he went on to say that the anti-roll bushes had developed some play. But he took these issues into account and ‘adjusted’ the price accordingly.
Which left something in the kitty to tackle these issues, which David and very recently I did. First on our ‘to do’ list was the front brakes. Having driven the Jeep, I reckoned the judder was due to warped or damaged front discs, so I picked up a set of Mintex discs and pads from ABC in Abergavenny.
The disc and pad swap on the Jeep is pretty straightforward. Even so, we fully expected the bolts to be rather stubborn. Well, they were! In fact, in order to gain access to the caliper retaining bolts,we had to detach the slider. Then, using a variety of implements, we had to craft a suitably sized (and shaped bar) that would fit in the space to allow us to apply more pressure. Fortunately, after a good soaking with WD40 and plenty of leverage thanks to the bar, all the bolts came loose.
When the discs were removed, the cause of the vibration was clearly evident. Both faces on each disc were heavily corroded. Which also explains why the pads were grooved and scarred. Fitting the new discs and pads was a doddle, although, to compress the pistons and garner enough space for the new pads, we did have to use a G-clamp. And, to ease pad movement, a modicum of copper grease was applied to
the pad mounts, mounting tabs and slider pins.
The good news is that the new discs and pads have bedded in nicely and have transformed the braking and eliminated all traces of shudder. We’ll probably replace the rear discs and pads in a month or so.
With the front brakes sorted, and whilst we had the jeep safe and secure on axle stands, we took the opportunity to replace the front and rear anti-roll bar bushes and the front drop links. again, these are straightforward enough jobs and parts are readily available (and relatively inexpensive). as with the front brakes, the new bushes and links have effected quite a transformation. It’s a tall, heavy, SuV but it’s now far more composed in corners and much more stable overall.
In between working on the jeep, I’ve been using the 944 quite a lot. I’ve also been planning some improvements. Last month I mentioned the 944 sills needed some restorative work. Well, on a recent PGGB r14 outing to abbey Cwm Hir (an incredible, 52-room, Grade II listed Victorian building (well worth a visit, especially during the Christmas period), in Mid-Wales, I was pointed in the direction of someone who could tackle this work to a very high standard. Watch this space!
Whilst on the subject of the 944, during my return journey from abbey Cwm Hir, I discovered that the headlights are not particularly effective. Feeble in fact. The same is true of the jeep. So, upgrades are planned soon! Oh, I’ve fixed the 944’s roasty toasty heater, which nearly caused Carolyn and I to melt. More on that next month. and, I’ve just realised that the Porsche is due for an MoT, so better give it a check over.
The new discs and pads have bedded in nicely and have transformed the braking and eliminated all traces of shudder