How to Adjust the Parking Brake on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

by Lee Sallings

The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with rear disc brakes and a "drum-in-hat" parking brake system. Unlike other parking brake systems, this system uses a set of small brake shoes that expand against the hat area of the disc brake rotor to secure the vehicle when it is parked. Although it is equipped with a self-adjuster mechanism, the shoes wear quickly when the parking brake is left on while driving and may require adjustment. The hat area of the rotor is not serviceable and the rotor should be replaced if the surface is damaged.

Step 1

Place the wheel chocks behind the front wheels and position the floor jack under the rear differential. Raise the rear of the Jeep until the wheels are off the ground. Place jack stands under the rear of the frame and lower the vehicle onto the stands. Remove the rear wheels by unscrewing the lug nuts that attach the wheels to the axle and rolling the wheels out of the way.

Step 2

Locate and remove the rubber plug on the back side of the brake system backing plate to which the brakes are attached. Insert a screwdriver into the slot that the plug was removed from and feel for the toothed adjuster wheel.

Step 3

Rotate the adjuster in an upward direction until there is a slight drag on the brake by the parking brake shoes. Repeat this procedure on both sides of the rear brakes. Apply the parking brake. The parking brake should lock down the brakes within six to 10 clicks on the ratcheting mechanism of the parking brake lever. Repeat the adjustment as needed to achieve this range.

Step 4

Reinstall the wheels and lower the Jeep from the jack stands. Test drive to verify that the parking brake holds the vehicle with the engine running and the transmission in drive.

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