I have a 2001 Cherokke with 20,000 miles and now it needs new brakes and rotors. I am a very conservative driver and do not overwork the brakes. There was a problem with the brakes in the first year and they replaced both pads and rotors. Seems unreasonable that they should go out so soon. Any experience or recommendations???

Brakes should last 40,000 miles on a Jeep, maybe longer, with normal driving. Are the rears worn out too? If you are getting fast wear at all wheels then the possibilities are few: (1) master cylinder problem that is not releasing pressure when you release the peddle, or (2) you or someone else who drives the vehicle is riding the brake, probably without realizing it. Odds strongly favor option 2 in my experience. All of us take our foot off the gas and position it over the brake when we see something that might require a stop (cars slowing ahead, kid playing on the sidewalk). It's very easy to let your foot touch the brake pedal, and if you do that, there is a good chance you will apply the brakes enough to cause wear even if you don't cause the Jeep to noticably slow down. You see other drivers doing this all the time if you watch for taillights coming in on in traffic without significant slowing of the vehicle.

So the rule is this: If you're touching the brake pedal, you're using the brakes.

Good luck. And if it turns out to be something else, please let us know.

good advice. I'd just like to add that letting your foot rest lightly on the brake pedal (and clutchs' also) causes more wear than actually using them. lightly touching the pedal causes the pads to come into contact without stoping the drum/rotor, allowing it to wear out the pads/shoes quickly.