Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Adjustments

Brake lamp switch

(1) Press and hold brake pedal in applied position.

(2) Pull switch plunger all the way out to fully extended position.

(3) Release brake pedal. Then pull pedal lightly rearward. Pedal will set plunger to correct position as pedal pushes plunger into switch body. Switch will make ratcheting sound as it self adjusts.

CAUTION: Booster damage may occur if the pedal pull exceeds 20 lbs..

Rear drum brake

The rear drum brakes are equipped with a self-adjusting mechanism. Under normal circumstances, the only time adjustment is required is when the shoes are replaced, removed for access to other parts, or when one or both drums are replaced.

Adjustment can be made with a standard brake gauge or with adjusting tool. Adjustment is performed with the complete brake assembly installed on the backing plate.

ADJUSTMENT WITH BRAKE GAUGE

(1) Be sure parking brakes are fully released.

(2) Raise rear of vehicle and remove wheels and brake drums.

(3) Verify that left and right automatic adjuster levers and cables are properly connected.

(4) Insert brake gauge in drum. Expand gauge until gauge inner legs contact drum braking surface.

Then lock gauge in position (Fig. 58).

Fig. 58 Adjusting Gauge On Drum

1 - BRAKE GAUGE
2 - BRAKE DRUM

(5) Reverse gauge and install it on brake shoes.

Position gauge legs at shoe centers as shown (Fig.

59). If gauge does not fit (too loose/too tight), adjust shoes.

Fig. 59 Adjusting Gauge On Brake Shoes

1 - BRAKE GAUGE
2 - BRAKE SHOES

(6) Pull shoe adjuster lever away from adjuster screw star wheel.

(7) Turn adjuster screw star wheel (by hand) to expand or retract brake shoes. Continue adjustment until gauge outside legs are light drag-fit on shoes.

(8) Install brake drums and wheels and lower vehicle.

(9) Drive vehicle and make one forward stop followed by one reverse stop. Repeat procedure 8-10 times to operate automatic adjusters and equalize adjustment.

NOTE: Bring vehicle to complete standstill at each stop. Incomplete, rolling stops will not activate automatic adjusters.

ADJUSTMENT WITH ADJUSTING TOOL

(1) Be sure parking brake lever is fully released.

(2) Raise vehicle so rear wheels can be rotated freely.

(3) Remove plug from each access hole in brake support plates.

(4) Loosen parking brake cable adjustment nut until there is slack in front cable.

(5) Insert adjusting tool through support plate access hole and engage tool in teeth of adjusting screw star wheel (Fig. 60).

(6) Rotate adjuster screw star wheel (move tool handle upward) until slight drag can be felt when wheel is rotated.

Fig. 60 Brake Adjustment

1 - STAR WHEEL
2 - LEVER
3 - BRAKE SHOE WEB
4 - SCREWDRIVER
5 - ADJUSTING TOOL
6 - ADJUSTER SPRING

(7) Push and hold adjuster lever away from star wheel with thin screwdriver.

(8) Back off adjuster screw star wheel until brake drag is eliminated.

(9) Repeat adjustment at opposite wheel. Be sure adjustment is equal at both wheels.

(10) Install support plate access hole plugs.

(11) Adjust parking brake cable and lower vehicle.

(12) Drive vehicle and make one forward stop followed by one reverse stop. Repeat procedure 8-10 times to operate automatic adjusters and equalize adjustment.

NOTE: Bring vehicle to complete standstill at each stop. Incomplete, rolling stops will not activate automatic adjusters.

Parking brake cable tensioner

NOTE: Parking brake adjustment is only necessary when the tensioner, or a cable has been replaced or disconnected.

ADJUSTMENT

(1) Raise vehicle.

(2) Back off tensioner adjusting nut to create slack in cables.

(3) Remove rear wheel/tire assemblies and remove brake drums.

(4) Check rear brake shoe adjustment with standard brake gauge.

CAUTION: Excessive shoe-to-drum clearance, or worn brake components will result in faulty parking brake adjustment and operation.

(5) Verify that parking brake cables operate freely and are not binding, or seized. Replace faulty cables, before proceeding.

(6) Reinstall brake drums and wheel/tire assemblies after brake shoe adjustment is complete.

(7) Lower vehicle enough for access to parking brake lever. Then fully apply parking brakes. Leave brakes applied until adjustment is complete.

(8) Raise vehicle and mark tensioner rod 6.5 mm (1/4 in.) from tensioner bracket (Fig. 61).

(9) Tighten adjusting nut at equalizer until mark on tensioner rod moves into alignment with tensioner bracket.

(10) Lower vehicle until rear wheels are 15-20 cm (6-8 in.) off shop floor.

(11) Release parking brake lever and verify that rear wheels rotate freely without drag.

(12) Lower vehicle.

NOTE: Do not loosen/tighten equalizer adjusting nut for any reason after completing adjustment.

Fig. 61 Tensioner Rod Measurement

1 - TENSIONER BRACKET
2 - 6.5 mm (1/4 in.)
3 - TENSIONER ROD
4 - ROD TO EQUALIZER