Unusual brake issue

[TerriJo]

Update:
March 2026. The problem exists for all 4 brakes. Last year we only noticed the problem in the rear brakes and only when it was warm out. Now, it's all 4 brakes and year round.. my guy is going to fix it but is unsure if its the master cylinder or the proportioning valve and would like to know how to determine which it is.. at this point my beloved jeep is only drivable for 5 miles or less.. grrr. Help !





I have an unusual problem with the brakes on my 2002 jeep Grand Cherokee laredo. The rig will suddenly feel like it's being dragged backwards. This usually happens on warmer days and after it's gone 25 miles or more. When this happens, I can't drive over 35mph due to the violent wobble it develops. When I use the brakes under this condition it REALLY gets to shaking. My boyfriend says this one has him stumped and he's pretty good with cars. The rear brakes are hot when this happens. How do I get it fixed? Help!!!!

 

[mark sr]

A faulty speed sensor can engage the brake but that normally just affects one wheel - which will get hot. But that won't cause a wobble as far as I know.

 

[TerriJo]

A faulty speed sensor can engage the brake but that normally just affects one wheel - which will get hot. But that won't cause a wobble as far as I know.

The wobble is so pronounced, it makes it difficult to control. I drove home the other day for 25 miles at 35 mph on a state highway. . . Not particularly great trip. . . It isn't so bad at 35 but at 40 it's dangerous as heck. Also it does feel like the brakes are on all the time when this happens. U know how when u are at a stop and take ur foot off the brake, the rig will move forward? Well, when this happens, and u take ur foot off the brake, it just sits there. And yes, they get hot. Very. Is it possible the brakes are set wrong somehow?

 

[TerriJo]

The wobble is so pronounced, it makes it difficult to control. I drove home the other day for 25 miles at 35 mph on a state highway. . . Not particularly great trip. . . It isn't so bad at 35 but at 40 it's dangerous as heck. Also it does feel like the brakes are on all the time when this happens. U know how when u are at a stop and take ur foot off the brake, the rig will move forward? Well, when this happens, and u take ur foot off the brake, it just sits there. And yes, they get hot. Very. Is it possible the brakes are set wrong somehow?

Mark sr, would a faulty sensor cause this problem intermittently? Or would rhe sensor just fail all at once? Cuz it isn't happening all the time.

 

[superj]

Check your booster and your master cyclinder. I have had a bad booster cause yhe brakes to slowly engage and act like what you are having trouble with. Snd it can cause your rotors to warp which will give you the shakes when you apply the brakes.

 

[JPNinPA]

Agree with superj.
So this happens while driving without stepping on the brake.
Or is it afterthe brske is applied it stays there?
Is the pedal any harder or softer?
And once overheated the rotor or drum will cause the pulsating.

It could be a glide is dry ir bent. One of your pads may be loose/free of the caliper and touching. You could also have one of the rubber lines failing inside. I had this happen on a 2016 patriot with only 40k miles on it. The hose inner walls deteriorates internally and acts like a check valve.


I’d inspect the pad thicknesses. All pads should have the same thickness in back. Fronts will all be the same but different from back. Post up what you see.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[mark sr]

would a faulty sensor cause this problem intermittently

A faulty speed sensor can apply the brakes usually during or after a turn and be fine the rest of the time.

 

[TerriJo]

Agree with superj.
So this happens while driving without stepping on the brake.
Or is it afterthe brske is applied it stays there?
Is the pedal any harder or softer?
And once overheated the rotor or drum will cause the pulsating.

It could be a glide is dry ir bent. One of your pads may be loose/free of the caliper and touching. You could also have one of the rubber lines failing inside. I had this happen on a 2016 patriot with only 40k miles on it. The hose inner walls deteriorates internally and acts like a check valve.


I’d inspect the pad thicknesses. All pads should have the same thickness in back. Fronts will all be the same but different from back. Post up what you see.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

The wobbling comes on suddenly whether the brakes is engaged or not, but is much worse when applying brakes. Pedal doesn't appear to be harder or softer.

 

[JPNinPA]

Are all brakes hot or only one ot just backs???
Does it happen going straight or when turning?
Does your parking brake work? How many clicks to engage?
Possible the pad dropped off and gets wedged.
Post pics of rotors and pads front snd back.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[TerriJo]

Are all brakes hot or only one ot just backs???
Does it happen going straight or when turning?
Does your parking brake work? How many clicks to engage?
Possible the pad dropped off and gets wedged.
Post pics of rotors and pads front snd back.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

The rears are the only hot ones. Happens both when straight or turning. Park brake has never worked. No clicking happening. Never did. I'll try to get pics but do I have to remove wheels to do that? I'm a car dummy so......

 

[JPNinPA]

So when you pull the parking brake the pulls all the way and you could still roll?

Unfortunately yes. To get a good idea of your inner and outer pad removing the wheel would be best. The parking brake is hidden under the rotor and requires much more disassembly. Being you have little experience start with only removing the wheel.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson