Rotor Question

parnell5150 · 03-28-2007, 12:44 PM

I have 97 5.2 ZJ w/ 79k miles on it and I have a couple of brake questions. I bought the vehicle used in 05 and all of the pads were replaced when I bought it. For the past year I have a problem with squeaking brakes when stopping as well as an almost oscillating squeak when I drive (it disappears when I apply brakes). The rotors are my number one suspect. Does this sound right to you guys? Can I just have them turned or should I just replace them? Will I have to replace the pads too, there's still plenty of meat on them?

You guys rock, thanks.

V8 Grand · 03-28-2007, 02:26 PM

Brake dust can cause the squeaking. Does it go away for a while when you wash the Jeep? Do you feel any shaking in the steering wheel when you apply the brakes? Are your front wheel bearings in good shape?

nashmd454 · 03-28-2007, 02:38 PM

it sounds like rotors to me...but I will wait to hear your response to the previous post of washing it.

98ZJ SFD · 03-28-2007, 02:39 PM

On the subject of rotors, if he replaces, what is the best suggestion for a replacement rotor brand? Pads too?

nashmd454 · 03-28-2007, 02:54 PM

alot on here will say brembo's...I can't argue...they are great. I have cross drilled and slotted on mine. I would also say as for pads to go with EBC Green Stuff...pricey...but great. But going with pads...make sure they are compatible with the rotors.

nierace · 03-28-2007, 02:58 PM

I've had good with just the standard replacement brakes from autozone

You man need to clean/grease the things that the pads slide back forth on...I don't know what they're called...

Bloodbath · 03-28-2007, 03:18 PM

I am going to say brake dust. I had some cheap pads on mine and they squealed like a pig with a hot poker up its ( ! )
I threw on some ceramic pads and it went away instantly and hasn't come back.
Also, that anti-squeal you put on the back of the brake pads may help you out.

What nierace is talking about is the slide pin/bolts with the rubber boots your caliper slides on when they are compressed/decompressed. Make sure you clean and regrease them. If they are dry or there is dirt in there, they can bind and cause your brake pads to remain in contact with your rotor and cause it to overheat (which will cause squeal) and warp.

parnell5150 · 03-28-2007, 03:32 PM

The noise seems to be consistent whether it's clean or not. The only time it seemed to subside was after I spent a little time scoring the rotors last summer (they appeared glazed). The oscillating squeak never went away during that time though. I don't experience any shuddering or anything strange at the wheel, just an occasional groan when I have to really get on 'em. Could cheap pads exhibit this behavior? I have no idea on the condition of the bearings, I do wonder though. I haven't found a way to check them, any suggestions?

Thanks again.

kirsch98gc6 · 03-28-2007, 04:59 PM

4 brembo oem replacement rotors and set of satisfied pro pads from tirerack for $250 to my door, i love the setup and the pads make absolutely zero noise. Cant beat the setup for that price

98ZJ SFD · 03-28-2007, 07:55 PM

What about this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-Frt-Rr-DRILL-SLOT-BRAKE-ROTORS-PADS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33564QQitemZ220095 802383QQtcZphoto

Turbonut · 03-28-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parnell5150

The noise seems to be consistent whether it's clean or not. The only time it seemed to subside was after I spent a little time scoring the rotors last summer (they appeared glazed). The oscillating squeak never went away during that time though. I don't experience any shuddering or anything strange at the wheel, just an occasional groan when I have to really get on 'em. Could cheap pads exhibit this behavior? I have no idea on the condition of the bearings, I do wonder though. I haven't found a way to check them, any suggestions?

Thanks again.

Next time you're slowing down with light pedal pressure and the brakes are making the noise, push harder on the pedal and see if the noise stops? Under light braking, and normal pad to rotor contact when driving, the pads move ever so slightly inside the caliper, creating the high pitch noise. If the noise stops under heavy braking, the pads will not move as the pressure of the caliper piston keeps them tightly pinned against the rotor.
If you find this test to be true, remove the pads and place some anti-squeal solution on the back of the pads before reinstallation and give it a try.

parnell5150 · 03-29-2007, 09:50 AM

I'll give that a try. Thank you. On a related note, could cheap pads cause the rotors to continually glaze? If one replaces pads should you always have the rotors turned or vice versa (put on new pads with a rotor swap)?

02_limited · 03-29-2007, 10:36 AM

I had a similiar issue awhile back and took the Jeep back to the dealership. They replaced a brake pad and greased everything. Then 2 weeks later, the squeak came back when braking or oscillating squeak at low speed driving. Dealer looked at it again and the rear right axle shaft was bent. Axle shaft was replaced and no more squeaks. How does an axle shaft get bent?!

I'll be replacing the rotors/pads soon.

03-28-2007, 03:32 PM	#8
parnell5150 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 49 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The noise seems to be consistent whether it's clean or not. The only time it seemed to subside was after I spent a little time scoring the rotors last summer (they appeared glazed). The oscillating squeak never went away during that time though. I don't experience any shuddering or anything strange at the wheel, just an occasional groan when I have to really get on 'em. Could cheap pads exhibit this behavior? I have no idea on the condition of the bearings, I do wonder though. I haven't found a way to check them, any suggestions? Thanks again. __________________ "Do or Do Not, There is No Try" 97 ZJ Laredo 5.2 R.I.P: 92 XJ 4.0

03-29-2007, 09:50 AM	#12
parnell5150 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 49 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I'll give that a try. Thank you. On a related note, could cheap pads cause the rotors to continually glaze? If one replaces pads should you always have the rotors turned or vice versa (put on new pads with a rotor swap)? __________________ "Do or Do Not, There is No Try" 97 ZJ Laredo 5.2 R.I.P: 92 XJ 4.0

03-28-2007, 02:26 PM	#2
V8 Grand Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hudson, CO Posts: 46 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Brake dust can cause the squeaking. Does it go away for a while when you wash the Jeep? Do you feel any shaking in the steering wheel when you apply the brakes? Are your front wheel bearings in good shape?