I. Tools and Materials:
* Jack and jack stands: Absolutely essential for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Socket wrench set (metric): Various sizes will be needed.
* Wrench set (metric): Especially for caliper bolts and brake line fittings (if applicable).
* C-clamp or caliper compression tool: To compress the brake caliper piston.
* Brake cleaner: To clean brake components thoroughly.
* New brake pads: Ensure you get the correct pads for your vehicle.
* New rotors (optional): Inspect the rotors for wear and scoring. Replace if necessary.
* Penetrating lubricant (like PB Blaster): To help loosen rusted bolts.
* Gloves: To protect your hands.
* Safety glasses: To protect your eyes.
* Torque wrench: To properly tighten bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (crucial!).
* Wire brush: To clean any rust from caliper mounting surfaces.
II. Procedure (General Steps):
1. Safety First: Engage the parking brake firmly, chock the wheels, and jack up the vehicle securely using jack stands. Refer to your owner's manual for the proper jack points.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel.
3. Remove the Caliper:
* Locate the caliper mounting bolts. They're usually on the back of the caliper.
* Use the appropriate wrench to loosen and remove the bolts. Penetrating lubricant may be necessary.
* Carefully support the caliper with your hand or a wire to avoid stressing the brake line. It's often helpful to hang the caliper from a nearby suspension component using wire or a bungee cord to keep it out of the way.
4. Compress the Caliper Piston: Using the C-clamp or caliper compression tool, slowly and evenly compress the brake caliper piston. This creates space for the new, thicker brake pads. Be careful not to damage the piston seal.
5. Remove the Old Brake Pads: The old brake pads should now slide out easily.
6. Inspect the Rotors: Carefully inspect the rotors for scoring, excessive wear, or warping. Replace if necessary. If you're just replacing pads, clean the rotor surface with a wire brush.
7. Install the New Brake Pads: Carefully install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
8. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully reinstall the caliper onto the rotor and brake bracket. Make sure the caliper slides easily and is properly aligned.
9. Reinstall the Wheel: Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque (refer to your owner's manual).
10. Repeat for the other wheel(s): Repeat steps 3-9 for each wheel.
11. Pump the Brakes: After reinstalling everything, pump the brake pedal several times to restore brake pressure.
12. Test the Brakes: Carefully test the brakes in a safe, controlled environment. If you feel anything unusual, have your brakes checked by a professional immediately.
III. Important Considerations:
* Bleeding the Brakes: In some cases, bleeding the brakes may be necessary after replacing the brake pads. This removes air from the brake lines. Consult your repair manual for the correct bleeding procedure.
* Caliper Slides: Make sure the caliper slides smoothly in its bracket. Clean and lubricate the caliper slide pins if necessary. If they're seized, this is a more involved repair.
* ABS Sensors: Be careful not to damage the ABS sensors located near the wheel hub.
* Parking Brake: Some Grand Cherokees have an integrated parking brake within the rear brake caliper. Consult your repair manual for the proper procedure to deal with this system if applicable.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Improper brake repair can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Always refer to your vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.
