How to remove a Jeep Cherokee Brake Caliper
There are two different brake calipers used on the Jeep Cherokee. The earlier Jeeps, 1990 and before, use two cylinders with 7mm hex key slots. The later, 1991 and newer, use two 13 MM blots to hold the caliper in place.
In either case, begin by lifting and securely supporting the Jeep.
Remove the wheel.
To improve access you can rotate the steering so that the brake caliper is facing out. However unless you have longer than stock brake lines, don’t turn it all the way or you will have trouble getting the caliper off the brake pads due to the brake line.
Remove the mounting bolts or cylinders using a 7MM hex bit or 13MM socket as needed for your year.
On the earlier models, the ones with he 7mm cylinders, the brake pads stay in place and the caliper slides off them. On the newer ones, the pads come off with the calipers.
In either case use a pry bar to rotate the top of the caliper back to slide it off. On the newer one, if there is a groove in the rotor you may have to push the pads back into the caliber slightly to get it to slide off. In severe cases, you may have to loosen the bleeder screw to get it to compress.
When replacing the earlier style it is a good idea to replace the Teflon sleeves that go around the cylinders when you replace that caliper. At least inspect them before reinstalling the caliper.
Sometimes the caliper can be stored by placing it over the lower control arm. In most cases it is best to use a wire to tie it up while the other brake parts are being serviced. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
If new brake pads are being fitted, you will need to compress the piston back into the caliper before they are refitted. I use a large C clamp to push the piston in. Or you can use a caliper compressor tool.
To replace the caliper, slide it into place and carefully feel for the fit of the retaining bolts or cylinders. They should start easily by hand. If not remove the caliper to see why it is not aligned. These bolts can be easily cross threaded and a thread repair is not easy on the knuckle. So avoid cross threading by carefully aligning the caliper when reinstalling securing bolts or cylinders.
Reinstall the wheel and properly torque the lug nuts.
Before moving the vehicle, be sure to pump the brake pedal a few times to take up any slack that was generated by pressing the piston back in.
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no bleed the brakes??????
Unless there is some other symptom that indicates air or contaminated fluid, I have not found it necessary to bleed the brakes to remove the caliper.