Brake problems in Surprise [Archive]

86_Renegade

12-26-2005, 03:15 PM

Hi,
The other day while driving home from work the brakes in my 86 CJ-7 went away on me. The pedel fell to the floor as i was slowing for that 90 degree turn at 91st ave where it goes into Happey Valley Pkwy. I made the turnand stayed on the road(pucker factor 7 out of 10). Well today my wife and i went to bleed out the brake system, if there was any air in the lines. This didnt help at all, i still have the soft pedel feel and it sinks to the floor. Is there anything I'm over looking?? :confused: I do hear a squeal comming from the back left and i didnt hear before this. Any one have any ideas???? Or if in the Surprise area care to stop by and stair at it with me??? I am looking to see if there is anyone in the West Valley area that can lend a hand when i'm ready to install a lift and other goodies......
TIA
Brian

My1stJeep

12-26-2005, 03:27 PM

I am in the Surprise area as well, might be able to help from time to time.

You may have a leak in the diaphram, that too would cause the mooshy pedal feel.

desertdawg

12-26-2005, 03:42 PM

Your master cylinder may be bad.

AZG23

12-26-2005, 05:13 PM

I was gonna say master cylinder as well...or wheel cylinder leaking....but bleeding them you'd have seen that Id assume.

I'm in Surprise too...can help if schedules work out...I work Saturdays so weekend stuff doesnt work to well for me...

Oldyeller

12-27-2005, 09:55 AM

I'm also In surprise, and am always willing to help, I work a 9-4ish schedule, Where in surprise are you? I'm at Bullard and Greenway by the ballpark.

EDIT: I'm gonna put my money on a bad wheel cylinder.

AZG23

12-27-2005, 10:29 AM

Chris and I were talking about it last night and were thinking power booster also....

AZG23

12-27-2005, 11:24 AM

or...

http://www.bustedjeep.com/projects/yjbrakes.asp

is there an adjustment on you rear brakes..?

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221494

just a few ideas..thoughts..

Stomper

12-27-2005, 12:13 PM

I live in Surprise (Reems and Waddell) and will lend a pair of hands, eyes, or any tools you might need. I am not to good on diagnosing yet though....

Take care,

S

86_Renegade

12-28-2005, 08:47 AM

I'm going to go to Just Brakes and let them take a look and tell me what they thinkit is. I'm west of the 303, Cotton and Greenway area. I?m hooking up my compressor and have some pneumatic tools also a few nice floor jacks so if any one needs a place to work or has a project that needs the big guns let me know. My work schedule is Mon-Fri 8-5ish. I?ll post an update later after they shop tells me what it is?.
TIA
Brian
602-723-3889

Y2K-XJ

12-28-2005, 08:52 AM

I'll put $5.00 on the Booster (diaphram)......

paparonbo

12-28-2005, 09:02 AM

I'm going to go to Just Brakes and let them take a look and tell me what they think it is.
I've got 5 bucks that they'll say its "about $300 to do it right." Some of the brake shops tend to be overpriced and try to sell you stuff you don't need. I have heard of people getting the hard sell at some of those places. You know, they get it apart and say it'll be $300 bucks. You tell them to put it back together and they reply that they can't put it back the way it was and let you drive it because it wouldn't be safe.

Some shops are better than others and there's always two sides to the story, but be cautious.

Ron
00 XJ
87 XJ

paparonbo

12-28-2005, 09:10 AM

Hi,
The other day while driving home from work the brakes in my 86 CJ-7 went away on me. The pedel fell to the floor as i was slowing for that 90 degree turn
A good way to test the MC is to start the engine and push on the brake pedal. If it falls away, but you can pump it up (pressing several times quickly firms it up) before it falls away again the MC is probably bad. This would show itself when you are driving when you slow down to a stop, but you can panic stop.
The good news is that the MC is pretty easy to swap out. The hardest part is bleeding them when you are done.

Ron
00 XJ
87 XJ

86_Renegade

12-28-2005, 10:28 AM

Well siting in Brakes Plus right now so we'll see. I read the link posted about using a YJ M/C to replace the CJ one and give more stopping power. If thats what it is, the M/C then I'll think i'll to the swao while i'm at it. I'll keep everyone posted.......and thanks again for the feed back!!!!
Brian

86_Renegade

12-28-2005, 01:57 PM

AZG23

12-28-2005, 02:04 PM

Ok just got back from Brake Masters on Bell, and they said its the rear brakes that the drums are worn to there limits and the shoes can no longer reach the drums to provide adequate stopping power. They said from the best they can see right now the mater cylinder and power booster are not an issue. Has anyone ever had this problem or does this make sense???? The fix for this will be $575.00 or so if the shop does it Any feedback or input would be great.
TIA
Brian

Did you just try adjusting them..??

$575.00..?? Gold lined shoes and drum or what..?...sheesh

My1stJeep

12-28-2005, 02:08 PM

paparonbo

12-28-2005, 02:09 PM

Wow! Even my pessimistic guess was too low. :eek: It sounds like you just need new drums, probably new shoes. Last time I did that it was around $200 or so for everything. Its not that hard, if you haven't done anything like that before get the Chilton's book and the brake tool. Only do one side at a time so you can go back and forth for reference.

Ron
00 XJ
87 XJ

Tom Schenk

12-28-2005, 02:34 PM

Ok just got back from Brake Masters on Bell, and they said its the rear brakes that the drums are worn to there limits and the shoes can no longer reach the drums to provide adequate stopping power. They said from the best they can see right now the mater cylinder and power booster are not an issue. Has anyone ever had this problem or does this make sense???? The fix for this will be $575.00 or so if the shop does it Any feedback or input would be great.
TIA
Brian

$575???:eek: that's horse poop. I hope you can DIY or find a helper. I wish I wasn't a brokedick so I could help you with them. FWIW pep boys in peoria will turn drums for around $8 if they are not runout.

AZG23

12-28-2005, 02:44 PM

Buy the drums and the tool.. and some brake cleaner. They should be pretty easy to take off...especially if they just did it...Im not sure if it needs a bolt to press off the drum...

Unless your shoes are totally shot...I wouldnt replace them. Id try adjusting them though before anything...

86_Renegade

12-28-2005, 05:47 PM

Wow, did they ask you to bend over too??? :eek:

To me that is way too high, the parts alone should be maybe $100. I did the brakes on my wifes Cherokee with rotors and pads and the parts only cost me $80 and a couple hours of my own time.

I agree are those gold lined brake pads with diamond drums? :D

Well you know how it goes.....I got to add some BLING to the CJ :cool:
I already looked to make sure i have the tools to do the drums...I think i have the return spring tool over my mom's in Glendale. Ihave both the Hayes and Chilton manuals but I havent done durms in a long time, so I guess this is where a digital cam comes in handy. Its was kind of funny bacuse after the guy showed me the price to do the drums i went online to autozone and started to price parts out.Anyone think i should change all the hardware in the drum too whike i'm in there????:confused:
TIA
Brian

paparonbo

12-28-2005, 10:19 PM

Personally I would replace the pads and replace the drums if they can't be turned. I would look at the wheel cylinders to make sure they are in good shape (no tears, etc). I don't think you need to swap out the springs. Brakes are an area that you want to do right and not worry about a couple of extra bucks.

Ron
00 XJ
87 XJ

jeeperX

12-28-2005, 10:48 PM

I too am in Surprise if you need a hand... Cotton and Greenway area. DONT PAY $575.00 "thats rediculious". Did they Micrometer the drums? what was the spec and what was the disguard? I have done my share of brakes in the past. I would recommend new hardware when doing rears it is cheap for the Harware kit and ensures all the proper tension is provided. If they didnt give you the Specs on the drums i would pull themoff take to checkers and have them micrometer them. get new if needed. Pads for the rear are relatively cheap and shouldn't take to long to replace once the drums are ready. PM me if you want an extra set of hands. a brake tool for the springs is really the only special tool needed. If you have jacks and stands it will make it real easy. If you dont I have them. I am off until the 3rd so let me know. I live close to AZG23 we have known each other a while.

Mike

Oldyeller

12-29-2005, 09:21 AM

I've got all the Brake tools and I know the CJ brakes backwards and forwards, When are you doing the brake job? I'm at Bullard and Greenway. I've also got a 10% off coupon at my house for Checker Autoparts, It's yours if you want it, might save you a little on parts. Only bad part is the coupon expires 12/31/05 so you'd better hurry.

jeeperX

12-29-2005, 10:54 AM

OldYeller...
I believe we are going to do it today around 2PM. If you would like to join us in a little brake reline party feel free to jump in. sent PM with my phone number. I know renegade went to get the parts already.

Oldyeller

12-29-2005, 11:40 AM

Ok, Well it's getting close to 2 right now and I won't be off until at least 3:30 or 4, add in an hour commute and you guys should be done before I even hit surprise, but if you do hit a snag I know my way around a CJ, I'll PM you my phone number.

Oldyeller

12-29-2005, 11:48 AM

Damn, just as I was Pm'in you back, i realized that I have 2 rear brake assemblies sitting in my garage along with drums. That's probably not much help now that he's already gone to buy parts, but if you break something unexpected or find a part that needs replaced let me know. I pm'd my phone number, but I won't be back in surprise till around 5pm tonight. So if you hit a snag let me know, otherwise, good luck, shouldn't be very hard.

Billy

AZG23

12-29-2005, 02:52 PM

sweeeet....No way I can make it though....LOL..I dont get off work til 6:30...

Y2K-XJ

12-29-2005, 06:57 PM

I got the complete brake tool "kit" from Harbor Freight(China outlet) for like $15.00 or so... It works great!

I know this in kinda irelevant now but oh well..
Its my 2 extra cents :D

AZG23

12-29-2005, 08:18 PM

well..?? How'd it go..??

86_Renegade

12-30-2005, 07:15 AM

Well after a few hours and 1/2 a can of PB to get the brake line off of the wheel cylinders JeeperX and Oldyeller got my CJ back on the road!!!! And ya know what.....it DIDNT COST 575. JeeperX and i tried to use on side to rebuild the other off of and seen thsat once the drum came off there were a few blank spots (read MISSING PARTS) Oldyeller (Billy) came through with a few extra parts and we got it back in action!!!!!
Just want to say THANKS AGAIN Billy....JeeperX and of course Son Of JeeperX who got in there and tore the driver side shoes and spring off.
BTW it WAS the wheel cylinder on the driver side that was leaking and that MIGHT have been due to it pushing out so far on the shoes it opened some cracks on the boot.
THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brian

AZG23

12-30-2005, 08:10 AM

AWESOME! Glad to hear it all came out ok...time to go play in the desert now

Oldyeller

12-30-2005, 08:18 AM

EDIT: I'm gonna put my money on a bad wheel cylinder.

Somebody owes me a 5 to 1 pay out.

Glad you've got your jeep back Brian, nice meeting you guys. Now we gotta figure out what's going on with those broken T-case mounts.

Billy

AZG23

12-30-2005, 08:23 AM

Better check back on the 1st page...I called possible wheel cylinder 1st...LOL...

Woulda liked to been there to help...but you were in good hands my friend..

Somebody owes me a 5 to 1 pay out.

Glad you've got your jeep back Brian, nice meeting you guys. Now we gotta figure out what's going on with those broken T-case mounts.

Billy

jeeperX

12-30-2005, 09:16 AM

Your welcome, Big thanks goes out to OldYeller(Billy) for having the extra parts laying around and his knowledge on the CJ system. It all went together rather quickly once we had all the parts to finish it up. Also was fun to get in there and have a few beers while doing brakes with a couple of new friends and Neighbors. Like Billy said now we need to address the transfer case mount issue. I have a pressure washer I can bring over and we can clean off that crossmember so we can really see what we have there. Then it will be time to take Brad up on his "Hit the desert and have some fun offer". see you soon,
Mike:)