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Off-road brake issues

Run&Gun

NAXJA Forum User
Location
MICHIGAN
Wheeling last weekend in steep hills. About a half hour in, front left brake got burning hot and was dragging. Opened bleeder, had good fluid. Caliper sliders were free. Ended up dropping front end in to deep puddle to cool it down. Wheeled for another hour and a half with no issues. Then right front had same issue. Again with the deep puddle treatment and rest of the day with no issues. Over use? Common issue with these Jeeps?

98 XJ 4.0 auto
6" lift 33x12.5 mud tires
 
What kinda brake lines ? Old stock type rubber soft brake lines can degrade internally and create a one way check valve type internal blockage. Brake fluid will flow out but have difficulty returning and releasing the calipers.
 
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I thought of that too. New steel lines from master cylinder out through fender, then original old rubber lines. Upgrading to stainless braided soon. But would that cause the intermittent problem? Seems like it would be constant.
 
Wheeling last weekend in steep hills. About a half hour in, front left brake got burning hot and was dragging. Opened bleeder, had good fluid. Caliper sliders were free. Ended up dropping front end in to deep puddle to cool it down. Wheeled for another hour and a half with no issues. Then right front had same issue. Again with the deep puddle treatment and rest of the day with no issues. Over use? Common issue with these Jeeps?

98 XJ 4.0 auto
6" lift 33x12.5 mud tires

We'll you haven't given alot of details about your rig......but XJ's don't have very good brakes to begin with. If your running 33's, your pushing it, what gears do you have?
 
Yes, the symptoms can be intermittent. Replace the old soft brake lines, and as suggested already, check the brake pad sliding surfaces on the knuckles for divots.
 
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