How to Replace the Rear Brake Hose on a Jeep Cherokee
The brake fluid for the rear brakes on a Jeep Cherokee passes through a metal line from the master cylinder to a point above the rear axle. There it makes it way to the axle by a rubber hose. This hose can be damaged if the axle over travels either by having longer shocks or by having the shocks disconnected.
To disconnect the hose, first remove the metal line from the joint. The joint is right above the sway bar if you still have one. Use a 3/8 line breaking wrench. It may be necessary to heat the joint to break it free if it is rusted. Be careful not to twist the metal line as it goes al the way to the master cylinder and can be difficult to replace if you damage it.
Once the metal line is loose, remove the retaining clip. If the swap bar is still in place access is difficult. If the bracket is rusted, the impact of a hammer will be needed to break it free. Some penetrating oil may help as well. Once the clip moves some, it can be pried off with a screw driver.
Once the clip is removed, pull the line out of the hex opening in the bracket. Next, remove the two metal lines that go from the junction block to either side of the axle. These also require a 3/8 line breaking wrench.
Once the two lines are disconnected, remove the bolt that holds the junction block to the axle. On the later models this bolt is hollow and is also the vent. You can leave the vent tube attached and just let it wind up as you unscrew it. The bolt uses a 9/16 wrench.
Clean the mounting surface and set the curved side of the new block against the axle. Attach it with the bolt. Carefully align the two metal lines and attach then to the block.
If the vehicle is lifted by the body, it may be necessary to raise the axle slightly so that the new hose will have some slack for the next step. I use my under lift screw jack to lift it a couple of inches.
Fit the end of the hose in the hex hole in the bracket. Make sure it is seated against the clip on the hose. Slip the C clip in the slot and tap it in place. You can now release the axle to make sure the hose is not too tight at full droop. If the shock does not limit the travel enough, you may need to limit the travel with a strap or get a longer hose.
Reconnect the metal line to the hose fitting. Refill the master cylinder and bleed the brakes before driving. It will take quite a bit of fluid passed through to purge all the air from the new line.