If your Jeep Grand Cherokee seems to shudder and pulse when you hit the brakes, the rotors are probably the culprit. Rotors, also known as brake discs, become warped and worn down over time for various reasons. Luckily, the process for changing them is fairly simple and you can do it in your own garage.
Raise your Jeep using a jack and jack stands. Block the wheels to keep your Grand Cherokee from rolling while you work. Replace all of the rotors at once, or at least the front and rear end rotor pair at the same time.
Remove the first tire and wheel assembly and set aside. Unscrew the caliper adapter mounting bolts from the steering knuckle and then slide the caliper and attached brake line off of the rotor. Use mechanic's wire to suspend the caliper and keep the brake line from becoming disconnected or damaged while you change the rotor.
Discard the O-ring that secures the rotor onto the hub. Pull off the old rotor and then clean the hub and surrounding surfaces with a damp cloth.
Install the new rotor onto the hub and tighten the holding screws. Replace the caliper, adapter and brake line and tighten the mounting bolts with a torque wrench or air ratchet with an appropriate adapter. Torque to 65 to 85 ft. lbs. (90 to 115 Nm).
Replace the wheel assembly and tire and repeat the process for each additional rotor. Then lower the vehicle, tighten and torque the tire lug nuts, and then pump the brakes until the pedal is firm. Road test your Jeep to make sure that everything is working properly.
Raise your Jeep Grand Cherokee on jacks with jack stands for added support. Block the wheels to keep your vehicle from rolling while you work. Remove the wheels and wheel assemblies.
Remove the caliper while keeping the brake line connected. Use mechanic's wire to hang the caliper out of the way while you work. Never hang the caliper by the brake hose.
Pull off the grease cap, cotter pin, nut cap, nut and washer from the spindle. Pull the hub toward you and then catch the outer bearing (it should fall out as you pull). Remove the hub and then remove the old rotor. Discard the inner seal.
Clean and then repack the hub and bearings with grease. Install the inner bearing and a new seal. Install the new rotor and hub on to the spindle. Next, install the outer bearing.
Install the washer and nut. Turn the rotor as you tighten the nut to 25 ft. lbs. (33 Nm) to seat the bearings with a torque wrench or an air ratchet with an appropriate adapter.
Replace the nut cap and a new cotter pin. Fasten the grease cap and then discard the mechanic's wire and mount the caliper and brake line back into place. Replace the wheel assembly and tire and then repeat this process for each additional rotor.
Lower the Jeep, tighten and torque the lug nuts and then pump the brake until you get a firm pedal. Road test your Jeep Grand Cherokee to make sure that the rotor installation was successful.
