The 1999 Jeep Cherokee has disc brakes on the front axle. Brake pads of disc brake systems wear thin through normal use and must be replaced in order to function properly and avoid damage to the brake rotors. Depending on the amount of wear, brake rotors can be re-used as is, re-surfaced by a brake shop or replaced. Disc brake service requires no specialized tools, and is a good job for the amateur home mechanic. Both wheels must be serviced at the same time.
Loosen the front wheel lug nuts on both sides with a lug nut wrench. Raise the vehicle with a jack and place it on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and wheels from both sides.
Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts from the caliper on the left wheel, using the correct size socket and ratchet. Slide the caliper up and off the wheel. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake fluid line.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Press firmly inward on the caliper piston to press it back into the caliper. This will allow space for the new pads to fit over the rotor disc, since the new pads will be thicker than the old ones.
Install the new brake pads in the caliper, then position the caliper in place over the rotor. Install the caliper mounting bolts and tighten securely.
Repeat steps 2 through 4 on the right side of the vehicle. Re-install the wheels and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts as much as possible before lowering the vehicle.
Lift the vehicle slightly with a jack. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts securely.
