1998 Jeep Wrangler Brakes Problems

“I have a 1998 Jeep Wrangler. I've owned my Jeep for 15 years. It has been garage kept. We were changing the shocks a few weeks ago and noticed severe rust damage. The frame is rusting from the inside out. It's severe. Years before I was traveling down a 2 land rd and had to press my brakes harder than I usually would due to a car pulling out in front of me. At that moment I blew a brake line. I could not get my vehicle stopped. Luckily it's a 5 speed. I geared down as fast as I could and managed to pull it off the main road onto a hill to get it stopped. …”

“I was approaching a red light and approximately 3 car lengths away from the vehicle already stopped at the light I began braking and heard a noise under the floor board and while pushing the brake pedal all the way down and the braking system did not slow or stop the vehicle at all. I lifted the brake pedal from the floor and reapplied it and the vehicle did not slow down or stop until it ran into the back of the other vehicle. Upon impact the vehicle began to idle up really high as if it were trying to drive itself. …”

“Dt: no rear brakes and the front brakes locked up. The trouble takes place mostly when it snows or when it is slippery. The back brakes have never worked. Dealer changed everything in the brake system, except the master cylinder. Inspector from Jeep came ,. And worked on it. Then, they said the nature of the beast was not to have any rear brakes. Parts that were changed included three sets of brake shoes/two rear brake drums/two sets of rear wheel cylinders, proportional valve/ABS computer for brake system, and two brake lines.”

“Brake rotors had to be re-finished after only 8000 miles. I question the quality of materials chrysler is using. Steering wheel rubbing: steering column would make a rubbing noise every time it was turned. Did this even on the initial test drive new off the lot. They said it was a simple lubrication issue. 2 weeks later, the noise was back. I brought it in a total of 6 times before the problem was finally resolved, apparently with some new super slick polymer and only after I personally called the factory to get advice. Other issues: driver's seat creaks like an old tractor. …”

“The rear brakes don't provide any stopping assistance,the front brakes lock up on gravel and the rear wheels never slide or provide any stopping power. When you back up on gravel or any slick surface the front wheels always slide even on level ground. When backing down a hill on gravel or a slick surface the Jeep wont stop unless I use the hand brake along with the brakes. I have tested this on several occasions and it is the same each time. The dealer just says they are adjusted to factory specifications. The rear brakes provide little or no stopping power!”