Brake rotors.

[Highmiles]

I have a '99 and the same thing happened to me. I believe, as someone stated earlier, that you purchased the cast rotors and need the composite. If you have any questions, just purchase the more expensive rotors (isn't that always how it works?).

If you try to use the cast rotors on a rig set up for the composites, everything will fit fine until you try to turn the tires - as you found out.

You can tell the difference between the casts and the composites by feeling the thickness of the metal at the top of the "hat" where the lug bolts pass through the rotor. The composites will be thinner that the casts.

FWIW - since I need to buy the more expensive composite rotors, I buy the cheaper pads (without the lifetime warrantee). I'd rather replace pads at $20 than warped rotors for $80

 

[dirt nugget]

so the cast rotors are the thicker cheaper ones, which i apparently have now..and the composites are the thinner more expensive units which i need?

 

[Highmiles]

That's right. You'll need to pick up the more expensive composite rotors (I think they are about $80 apiece at NAPA). While there, you might as well pick up new pads - I used the cheaper (softer) pads. My logic is that the lifetime (harder compound) pads will generate more heat and warp the rotors.

While at NAPA, pick up their brake replacement kit (free rental). It has a nice tool to press back the piston in the caliper.

Here's a nice, step by step procedure for changing the front brakes. It should take about 2 hours total, including clean up.

http://jeepin.com/features/discs/index.asp

 

[dirt nugget]

as many times as i had those wheels on and off it better not take me more than 20 minutes a side.

 

[RichP]

I replaced the rotors in my 98 with solid steel ones, got rid of the composit ones that jeeep replaced under a recall. Somewhere in my postings from back in aug of 05 I put the part numbers of the wagner rotors I used. Lot heavier than the composite but they went on with no problem. I also used solid steel on both our TJ's and got rid of the composites.

 

[dirt nugget]

well it would be ideal if their were a cheap steel version that fit..but as the ones i bought at first didnt. I cant just throw money around until i happen across the right rotors. If you can dig up that post, please consider linking it here.

 

[titan4u2c]

Nothing against Napa, not that I use them but they did get the correct rotors as in 4wd or not right? Maybe this is just another rotor size answer but I know when I got mine from advanced the guy asked a few times to make sure I wanted the rotors for a 4wd model. Maybe that's the casting or ceramic or whatever difference? But I believe if your pads clear the caliper as you said then it has to be the rotor size. Good luck keep us posted.

 

[FlatLander]

On a quick look it seems only 2000-2001 models used the composite rotors.
per napaonline.com, correct napa parts for 96.
UP 86142
TS 4886142
By the way they say these are 3-3/23. For 2001+ the choice is 3-1/16 or 3-3/16, so apparently three different sizes they have to stock..

I ahve composite on my Jeep. It is a 99

 

[RandyD71]

OK I just did pads, rotors, & calipers on my 1991 XJ with all wagner products. Napa can make some things ok, in my opinion, their brakes are not one of those things. I am ASE certified and an inpection/emissions mechanic.Wagner rotors are P/N BD125039(retail $94.91 each). If you are tired of excessive brake dust on your front wheels try a set of Wagner PD712 (retail $71.84)Thermoquiet pads. They are a ceramic formulation and are a direct swap for the original MX477 semi-metallic pads. If you can't afford the better stuff, Pep Boys sells Raybestos and gives a discount to everybody.

 

[Johnny V]

> but I know when I got mine from advanced the guy asked a few times to make sure I wanted the rotors for a 4wd model.

Recently I changed the rotors and pads up front on my '89...the Advanced computer had the wrong pad numbers for my Jeep in their computer. Had to go back twice to get the proper ones. They still didn't fix the part number error.

 

[dirt nugget]

Well their is no local pep boys. Its either napa which is right down the road or advanced auto which is 20-30 minutes away. Lets not grill them on quality yet. I just want to get rotors that fit.

It seems like 98 was the first year the computer has composite rotors offered. Before I buy new rotors I will compare them to both the rotors i just bought that didnt fit and the rotors that were on the vehicle before.

Its a jeep maybe somebody swapped axles in the thing...Seems possible to me.

I will bookmark this post and save your suggestions for next time we do the brakes

Thanks to all that replied

 

[RandyD71]

Ok just too make sure that it is a rotor problem. Run the lug nuts onto the studs and snug them up. See if you can still turn the assembly. If not you should be able to see the interferance much easier than with the wheel and tire in the way. eace:

 

[dirt nugget]

I dont have open ended lugs only lugs I have on hand bottom out before they hit the rotor...good idea though.

 

[Wayne Sihler]

Get a couple of 1/2x20 nuts and use them.
Wayne

 

[RichP]

or a couple of 1/2" drive sockets....to act as big washers.... I think they will fit...

 

[carnuck]

You were given GRAND Cherokee rotors instead of Cherokee rotors (Just did that to myself and I work at NAPA! I was looking for a brake upgrade and have to change the caliper mounts and calipers for them to work)

 

[titan4u2c]

And there you go....... darn Napa and their employees, haha jk.:roll: But that's bad when a Napa employee does it to himself, darn Grand rotors lol. And hey Randy, did they have a gun to your head when they quoted you $91 bones for a rotor? Was that for one? Yikes! Hate to live round there, think I got mine from advanced for maybe 25ea. Guess it depends on the state and the market. Hope you get this figured out before you go broke Nugget haha.

 

[leadfoot77]

yes there is a diffrence ive been down this road and it sucked the whole way.. i bought drilled and slotted rotors because of all the stop and go ... yea yea ive heard it why on a jeep well ive been known to warp a rotor or 4 but the drilled and slotted had the thin area hub and i didnt look or think about looking twice and fought it for a good day and then noticed the diffrence.. so just for the future referance double check and tripple check.. for the diffrence in rotorss ...

 

[XJ4PLAY]

I recently did my 96 and had a similar issue with the rotors from NAPA.
I found the correct ones at Autozone.
The diference I found, did not see it mentioned yet, was the "hat" is rounded on the edge on one and flat edge on the other. There is also a height difference in the two which has been stated already.
Sorry, I do not remember which is which.

 

[RandyD71]

And there you go....... darn Napa and their employees, haha jk.:roll: But that's bad when a Napa employee does it to himself, darn Grand rotors lol. And hey Randy, did they have a gun to your head when they quoted you $91 bones for a rotor? Was that for one? Yikes! Hate to live round there, think I got mine from advanced for maybe 25ea. Guess it depends on the state and the market. Hope you get this figured out before you go broke Nugget haha.

When I give out parts price information I only give out what is listed on my parts receipt as retail pricing. I am a tech and payed nowhere near that myself, but I won't ever diclose my discount as it is a bad business practice. Besides I don't need to hear it when they can't get stuff as cheap as me.:wave1: