How to Inspect and Replace Your Jeep Brakes
If you have lifted your Jeep, you may need to install extended brake lines. These brake lines, typically made from braided stainless steel, add minimal enhancements to your Jeep brake system. Soft rubber factory brake lines swell like a balloon when the brake is applied, and degrade the hydraulic conditions in the Jeep brake system. Swollen brake lines reduce the pressure applied to the caliper.
Front brakes wear out first
If you want your Jeep to stop safely, you need to make sure your front brakes are performing well. If they’re not, you could have problems on the road. While the rear brakes wear down faster, they’re not as bad as the front ones. However, it’s important to regularly inspect your Jeep brakes and replace them when needed.
There are several reasons why the front brakes wear out first on your Jeep. One of the most common is driver error. Many people are “two-footed,” meaning they use the right foot to apply gas while their left foot works the brakes. The problem is, they leave their left foot on the brake pedal, causing them to work harder than they should. This is a mistake because any pressure on the pedal engages the brakes, and even a small amount of pressure can put brake pads in contact with the rotor. This can cause rotors to heat up, causing them to become “blue.”
Rear brakes wear out after
If your Jeep has a trouble-prone rear brake system, it’s probably time to replace them. Rear brake pads are smaller than front brake pads, so they often wear out before the front ones. This is due to various causes, including sticking pistons, dirty slide pins, and restricted flex hoses. Hot weather also plays havoc with brake system components.
The most common reason for brakes to wear out so quickly is driver error. Many drivers are “two-footed” and tend to use their right foot for the gas pedal while the left foot is used for braking. The problem is, this practice can cause excessive wear on the brake system because any pressure on the pedal engages the brake system. Even light pressure will put brake pads in contact with the rotor, which leads to overheating.
Resurfacing rotors is cheaper than replacing them
There are two major advantages to resurfacing rotors on your Jeep brakes. The first is that it costs less, and the second is that you can save money. However, resurfacing rotors requires a certain amount of investment in equipment. For example, a micrometer is necessary to check the thickness of a rotor. You can also use a dial indicator to check for surface variations as you turn the rotor.
Another benefit is that resurfacing rotors is cheaper than replacing them. However, if the rotors are beyond the resurfacing stage, replacement is the only option. You will need to pay the dealer a fair price to replace them.
Break-in procedure
Before using your Jeep’s new brake pads, it’s important to follow the proper break-in procedure. Ideally, you should break-in your brake pads over a period of several hundred miles. During this time, you should only use your brakes lightly and avoid a full stop. This will minimize the possibility of damaging your brake pads.
To break-in your Jeep’s new brakes, drive the vehicle for about five minutes at a moderate speed. This will allow the heated resin in the pads to cool. Once the break-in procedure is complete, you can test your Jeep’s brakes with a few simple steps.
To properly break-in your Jeep’s new brakes, you should park the vehicle in a safe area away from other vehicles. Then, use your brakes moderately to slow down to around five mph. The brakes should perform smoothly after this break-in procedure.
Cost
A set of replacement Jeep brake pads can cost anywhere from $150 to $300, depending on the type and extent of damage. These pads typically wear out on both axles equally. The labor cost to replace them will be around $75 to $100 per axle. Some Jeep franchise service centers have monthly brake specials. You can save money by buying replacement pads online or by calling ahead.
If you want to avoid paying a hefty price for your replacement pads, consider purchasing one that comes with a warranty. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, a lifetime warranty can help you save hundreds of dollars each year.