How to Replace Jeep Grand Cherokee Front Brake Pads

by Jody L. Campbell

You may have heard some squealing noises coming from the front brakes of your Jeep Grand Cherokee. That squealing may be a very good indication that the friction material of the pad has worn down and now the wear sensors are pressing against the surface of the rotor when you brake. Be glad you didn't start hearing a grinding noise first. Although it may be an annoying sound, replacing the pads can be relatively achievable in the comfort of your own driveway, provided you have some mechanical tools and a little technical savvy. The pads are fairly affordable, but the labor charges from the local repair shop will find a way to dig deep into your pockets. Give yourself a little bit of time, wait for some nice weather, grab your tools and save yourself a bunch of money by replacing the pads yourself.

How to Replace Jeep Grand Cherokee Front Brake Pads

Step 1

Park the Jeep Grand Cherokee on a flat, level paved or concrete surface. Apply the parking brake. Release the hood latch.

Step 2

Place a wheel chock behind one of the rear tires.

Step 3

Open the hood and suck out half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir using the turkey baster. Discard the fluid properly. Replace the cap securely onto the master cylinder.

Step 4

Break the lug nuts loose on the left front tire. Do not loosen them too much and do not remove them.

Step 5

Lift the left front quarter panel with the floor jack under the left control arm high enough to place a jack stand under the left front frame rail. Lower the floor jack and remove.

Step 6

Remove the lug nuts and wheel.

Step 7

Remove the caliper bolts using the ratchet and a socket. Some Grand Cherokee models have a support spring on the front brake caliper. Remove this by prying it off with the screwdriver. Pry the caliper off with the screwdriver and support the caliper to the vehicle with the bungee cord so you can extract the pads from it. Pry the pads off with the screwdriver.

Step 8

Apply a coating of silicone-based brake lubricant to the areas on the caliper anchor where the backing plate of the pads will come in contact with it.

Step 9

Compress the piston of the caliper in with the C-clamp.

Step 10

Install and lock the new pads into place. Place the inboard pad first and press the hardware into the piston bore. Clip the outboard pad onto the caliper last. Use the screwdriver to convince the clips onto the caliper housing if need be. Replace the caliper over the rotor and anchor and tighten the caliper bolts. Replace the support spring if applicable. Convince that with the screwdriver as well.

Step 11

Replace the tire and lug nuts and tighten the lug nuts as tight as you can get them with the wheel elevated.

Step 12

Lower the Cherokee and retighten the lug nuts in an alternate fashion with the 1/2 inch drive adjustable torque wrench set at 100 foot pounds and a socket.

Step 13

Repeat the procedure for the right side.

Step 14

Pump the foot brake pedal when you're done. This will restore hydraulic pressure back to the compressed pistons of the front calipers. Failure to complete this step could be extremely hazardous. When the foot pedal feels normal, check and adjust the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. If you need to add some, only add DOT-approved brake fluid for your Jeep Grand Cherokee.