QuestionQUESTION: My Jeep needs a complete brake system replacement. After replacing the main brake line, I was still having problems so I took the Jeep to have it looked at. According to the mechanics, the brake line is leaking at various locations in the rear of the Jeep. They basically stated that I need to overhaul the brake system, including: main line that goes from the Master Cylinder to the rear-brakes, rear-wheel cylinders, drums, shoes (we are talking the whole-shebang). So, I'm looking at a minimum of $1200 for labor/parts. My main problem is that I do not want to sink that kind of money into the Jeep given her condition (1996 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L 6Cyl 4WD; 223,000 Miles; Bent frame near rear-wheels (long-story); RUST — driven in ME/NH so she is rusted beyond belief!!). The question is, can I effectively bypass/plug the brake line — allowing the front brakes to continue working, requiring a minimum investment and allowing me time so I can save enough money to buy another Jeep? I'm assuming that stopping the brake fluid to the rear brakes would also prevent the emergency brake from working. Also, I will also assume that this would make the vehicle unable to pass inspection/be an illegal repair (??). My understanding is that the front brakes are the main stopping power for the vehicle, and that the 3,000 mile trip I made up and down very large mountains, was probably done without my rear brakes. This is based on the fact that there are no rear brake shoes left, the pistons are blown — plus, a few weeks ago I 'ran out of' brake fluid.
Cheers — Amy
ANSWER: The e brake will still work , it really shouldnt be driven with no rear brakes, but if you have to do it than you can just be careful about it , I cant blame you for not wanting to stick that kind of money in a rusty jeep 1200 would go for a good down payment on a different one , . Let me know if I can be of further assistance to you , thanks ADAM
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QUESTION: Hi Adam-
Thanks for your answer. Just to clarify: How careful should I be? I do realize that I probably can't slam on my brakes from a high-rate of speed.
For clarification on the repair, here's some more information: We replaced the rusted brake line with two pieces of 1/8'' tube and a center coupling. Even though I was coming to a complete stop, the brake pedal was almost hitting the floor. So, I took it in to be looked at. After explaining the situation, and the repair, I received a lecture on the type of repair we made and the parts we used (hello?! these guys sold me the parts — Grrrr). After taking a look at the Jeep they were talking a minimum of $1200 in parts/labor, maybe more. Not happening, sorry repair guys...
Last night, the guys and I were contemplating 'shutting down' the rear brakes in order to get my Jeep back on the road. I just need to know, honestly, how safe it is to do that in spite of current state and federal laws... I'm talking pure mechanics and physics...
FYI. In any given day I only travel surface streets, usually with a max speed of 50 mph. I live in So Cal, so there are a LOT of really big hills. I just want to be able to drive safely without having to constantly fear that my brakes will 'blow out' and that I will cause an accident.
What would be the maximum recommended time to run the brake system using only the front brakes? Maximum speed? How much stopping power do the rear brakes generally provide, percentage wise, compared to the front brakes? I know that I have only a few months left until my tags expire, so I need to look into something more permanent (i.e. new-ish Jeep — same year/model preferred). BTW. Do you know what year the frame was changed on the Jeep Cherokee? My understanding is that it occurred some time around 2000, right before they discontinued making it. And given the quality of the 'new' Jeeps these days, they should have kept it... IMHO.
Cheers — Amy
AnswerAmy, bottom line is dear, I would not reccomend killing your back brakes , If you were to have to use your brakes real hard, and blow a front brake hose, with no rear brakes it could really cause a deadly accident , so I would not do that , take the money you would have spent on the brakes , and invest it in to a different vehicle, how old are you Amy, hope you have a great day ADAM
