Jeep Brakes

QUACKTASTIC

MEMBER
1980 JEEP CJ7
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
100,000 MILES

I recently purchased a 1980 Jeep CJ-7. The previous owner said that the brakes were spongy, but I got the jeep for quite a deal, so I figured they would just need to be bled. I bled the brakes, but they were still spongy, and would hardly even slow the jeep. I tried a couple more times, but no improvement. I bought the one-way bleed valves, and installed them on all four corners, and tried again, but still no luck. Should I try bench bleeding the master cylinder? Could there be a bad connection or leak in one of the lines that keeps letting in air? I haven’t found any leaking brake fluid. Any help would be appreciated. If I can’t figure it out, my next step will be to rent a trailer and take it to a shop. I would like to figure it out and fix it myself, so I have a better understanding of my rig, rather than just paying someone else to do it.

1 Reply

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,005 POSTS

All Righty Feller!

I will help you thru this whole deal and JUST ABOUT any other CJ problem you continue to throw at me at this post!

I sorta need to know your capabilities, regardless of what they are, I can try to throw quick commands upon you or I can "Hold Your Hand" thru the whole affair.I really do not mind. CJ Fixin' is my Crusade here.

Do you know much about brakes?

You have Disc on the Front and Drum on the Back.

I even tear into mine at times in order to send pics to aid you guys!

Again, do you understand your brake systems?

I suspect that your rear shoes need adjustment or replacement.

I can help you "Bench Bleed" the Master Cylinder, EZer than removing it. But by leaving it installed, if we need to tackle it.

It's also possible it is defective and needs replacement.

Lets do one thing at a time.

Start with inspection of rear brake linings. Then either replace shoes or adjust what you have!

I can HELP with anything you are unsure of. And I do not mind, this is what I LIVE FOR here, this is my hobby!

Your Turn

The Medic

Images (Click to make bigger)