Rear brakes

[old 300]

98 cherokee, the problem is after the jeep has set for a time and starting and driving the vehicle when you lightly touch the brakes the rear wheels want to lock up. I had the rear drums off and cleaned and adjusted the shoes that are 75% good and other than that, the brakes working a bit better but still grab the same way. It doesn't have anti-lock brakes. Any ideas?

[MagicRat]

Usually, this occurs after the shoes have been contaminated by brake fluid. It could be your wheel cylinders are seeping.
BTW its nearly impossible to clean the fluid from the shoes. It soaks in and softens the material.
For a sure fix, replace the shoes and the wheel cylinders.

[Dale Aeppli]

Originally Posted by old 300

98 cherokee, the problem is after the jeep has set for a time and starting and driving the vehicle when you lightly touch the brakes the rear wheels want to lock up. I had the rear drums off and cleaned and adjusted the shoes that are 75% good and other than that, the brakes working a bit better but still grab the same way. It doesn't have anti-lock brakes. Any ideas?

HI I HAD A 97 CHEROKEE THAT DID THE SAME THING, IT'S JUST ONE OF THINGS THAT JEEPS SEEM TO HAVE. I READJUSTED THE SHOES BY BACKING UP THEN PULLING FORWARD REPEATLY THIS LETS THE SELF ADJUSTERS ADJUST THE BRAKES EVENLY. THIS IS THE WAY YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO ADJUST THEM, THEY WILL NOT OVER ADJUST.THIS IS HOW I STRAIGHTENED MINE OUT.IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANY WETTENESS ON SHOES OR LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID, YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHANGE THE SHOES. DALE [email protected]

[old 300]

Everything looked dry but just very dusty and rusty. It looks like the brakes were in salt water, but the only thing I can think is the 6 winters and the road salt that we get. The brakes are very grabby at first but get better after a couple stops. I think I will replace everything, its time even though the shoes are almost like new. Thanks for the help.

[kingslugnut]

At about 50k miles, I finally gave up on my '88. They would not adjust, and replacements adjusters quickly became corroded too. After spending any time in the mud, they would lock up with the slightest touch of the pedal. I replaced them with an aftermarket disc conversion and after 7 years, I am still happy with it.