How to Replace a Rear Brake Line in a Jeep Cherokee

The rear brake lines on a Jeep Cherokee include a rubber high-pressure hose and two steel lines. Replacing one or all of the lines requires a few minutes and necessitates bleeding the brakes after the repair is completed. The steel lines are available in many lengths from your local auto parts store; you will need to bend them to the shape required. The rubber hose is also available at any auto parts store or Jeep dealer and is a direct-fit part that you just bolt into place.

Things You'll Need

  • Jack
  • Jack stands
  • Wheel chocks
  • Drip pan
  • SAE and metric wrench set
  • Raise the rear of your Jeep with a floor jack, and support the Jeep under the frame with a set of jack stands. Be sure to chock the wheels to keep the Jeep from rolling or moving.

  • Find the brake lines that run along the top of the rear axle housing. They run from the wheel cylinders to a splitter block on the driver's side of the housing that connects to the rubber high-pressure hose.

  • Place a drip pan under the rear axle before removing the line. Remove the damaged line by unscrewing the fitting that threads into the splitter block with a wrench.

  • Follow the line to the wheel cylinder and unscrew the fitting that attaches the line to the back of the wheel cylinder with a wrench. Remove the line from under the Jeep.

  • Install the new line under the Jeep by inserting the fittings into the splitter block and the wheel cylinder. You will need to gently bend the line to run along the top of the axle so it does not get hung up or damaged.

  • Tighten both fittings with a wrench, being careful not to strip the fittings when you tighten them. Bleed the brake system completely before driving the Jeep.