Cherokee with soft brakes

[Glamissand1]

I have an 88 cherokee limited with a soft brake pedal. The first half goes down with little effort, leaving the bottom half to do the stopping. I have changed the master cylinder (bench Bled), replaced the old brake hoses, and bled the system again. I hear others complaining of soft brakes, maybe we can get a shout out for all with soft brakes.

 

[TerryMason]

Glamissand1 - I've moved your post to it's own thread so we can help you get this squared away.

Are you able to pump your brakes up? Meaning that if you pump them 2 or 3 times they feel good, then hold it down and it goes to the floor?

When you bled the system, did you do all four tires? I like to start with the tire that's farthest from the master cylinder (the pass rear normally), the the other rear wheel, and finally move to the front.

I'm a big fan of these speed bleeders - they make things alot easier:
http://www.quadratec.com/products/56202_101.htm

Did this problem creep up, or did you purchase the Jeep like this?

 

[Glamissand1]

They do pump up and hold, and i did bleed farthest to closest. I did buy it in the condition ( i drive a f250sd daily so my reference is set high). My wrangler had solid brakes also. I have a vacume tool with a bleed canister. When bench bleeding the master cylinder i noticed the front brake resevoir not pushing fluid thru my tubing, as the rear pumped every time. I think it maybe a symtom of not having the cap on.

 

[jb21366]

Adjust the rear shoes a little tight and see if the pedal comes up

 

[54cj3b]

check the wheel cylinders one may have a bad seal or maybe one of rubber brake lines is cracked check all connections for wet spots or just lots of air in lines

 

[Glamissand1]

ive found a lose caliper bolt, it seems as there is to much play between the bolt and caliper.

 

[Glamissand1]

But now ive bleed all the brakes again and again, no change. Wondering if a 90 YJ booster and master is a direct bolt in.

 

[Glamissand1]

took the master off my 90yj and all seems good and well. dont worry the yj is getting a bbc and wont need the stock unit.