Changing the brakes on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Answer 1

I just did the rear brake pads only. My front pads are still good. Here is what I advice to do for rear pad replacement.

Clean off the area around the master cylinder under the hood, (you don't want any dirt getting into the master cylinder) unscrew the cap, and with a turkey baster, remove some brake fluid, set the baster aside because you will want to put the fluid back when you are done.

After you remove the wheels, you will see a "window" where you can insert a screwdriver between the rotor and the inboard pad. Pry the inboard pad away from the rotor, compressing the piston as much as you can.

Remove the two bolts (1/2" hex bolts) and support the caliper while you work on it. You don't want the weight pulling on the brake hose. Pop off the plate with the Jeep logo on it that covers the outboard pad and then slide the outboard pad off the caliper. I left he inboard pad in place because the piston needs to be completely compressed in order to get the new pads on. I put a clamp on, one end onto the old inboard pad that I left on, the other end of the clamp on the back of the caliper, and then I completely compressed the the piston. Then I removed the inboard pad.

You will need to put the new inboard pad in first, then slide the outboard pad in place, install the plate with the Jeep logo. Put some of the silicone grease they supply you on the metal to metal contact points including the bolts that mount the caliper. The bolts go through rubber boots with metal shims inside them. You will probably have to gently squeeze the boots so you can put the caliper back in place over the rotor.

After you finish tightening the caliper bolts and put the wheels back on, don't forget to put the brake fluid back in the master cylinder.