When your brakes start to fail in your Jeep, it can be a terrifying and nerve-wracking experience. Instead of panicking, it’s important to take the proper steps to diagnose and repair the issue. Depending on the severity of the damage and the part of the braking system you’re having trouble with, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind when it comes to diagnosing and repairing issues with your Jeep brakes.
The first thing you should do when it comes to repairing your Jeep brakes is to evaluate the problem and determine which part of the system is having trouble. The brake system is usually composed of the master cylinder, rotors, pads, hoses, shoes and the hardware that attaches them. If you’re having trouble locking your Jeep up, for example, you’ll want to take a look at the brakes pads or rotors. On the other hand, if your brakes don’t seem to be engaging, you may have a problem with the hoses or master cylinder. Knowing the specific problem before you embark on a repair will help you identify the specific parts and tools you’ll need to get the job done right.
Once you know the issue, it’s important to research the repair beyond just the parts you’ll need. Research may be as simple as double-checking the tightening specifications of the hardware you use, or it could mean researching the type of brake fluid you need to use on your particular Jeep. It’s also important to be as detailed as possible when cleaning and prepping the vehicles parts during rebuilding. If you don’t take the time to properly clean, sand and prepped the parts, you can end up with a failed repair job.
When it comes to the actual repair job, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time. You should also make sure that you consult your Jeep owners manual or get an updated version from the Jeep website to see if there have been any updates on the installation of your part. While some parts have universal installation instructions, others have overlapping specs or require certain tools or processes to complete the job.
If you’re performing a brake system job on a used vehicle, you may run into some surprises. There is always the chance that hidden damage may be present on the used parts you are installing, so it’s important to take a close look during inspection. It’s best to save money on materials and buy rebuilt parts rather than investing in new parts. Its easier on the wallet, but it can end up being a poor choice if the used parts are faulty.
Finally, make sure that you inspect your brake system regularly and keep your brake fluid topped off properly. It’s always better to catch a problem early, so your brake system remains functioning at its best. If you do find yourself in a pinch and need to perform a brake job, refer to this guide to make sure you get the job done right the first time.
