Brake Disc Pads problems of the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For over a year the front brakes have squeaked (a rubbing noise) when driving (not during braking, which stops the noise). Dealer claims nothing could be found. Took the car in today to have tires rotated an balanced. Dealer claims the front pads are thin and crumbling and that both pads and rotors need to be replaced. Dealer states the front rotors are too thin to be turned. This is unusual since the rotors were replaced in 2000 under recall 00v136000. The SUV has been driven 90,000 miles since then - the pads have been replaced - the rotors have not been turned previously. Related to the recall, other users report too hard pads with too soft rotors. In one driving style this leads to excessive heat that warps the sub-par rotors. In my driving style the pads get hot (which causes them to crumble eventually), not hot enough to warp rotors, but sufficient to grind away the rotors leading to premature failure of both parts. If rotors can get so thin they can't be turned (having never been turned), then the combination of crumbly pads makes for a dangerous combination. Since dealer is aware of complaints about too-hard pads and too-soft rotors from these and its other make/models. . . It appears this mismatched combo is intentional. Dealer should replace or heavily discount premature failure parts. Dealer claims all wear is normal and 90k life for rotors is good (and probably is statistically if you include 15k life of recalled defective rotors). The recall repair replaced one part of the defect combo with another defective part, just less prone to rapid failure if driven easy, I. E. It fails premature to normal life of similar parts across industry. I elected to wait on replacing parts until I could gather more info. I came across other reports and complaints for Chrysler with the pad/rotor combo.

While driving at different speeds and making slight turns the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee will vibrate and bounce. The steering wheel will begin to pull and the front right tire feels like it is coming off or bouncing. I have taken it to the dealer and three independent shops for this problem over a 2 year period. All of have felt the problem and have no idea where it is coming from. I have so far replaced the entire front brake system, all front bushings, shocks, tires, front u bolts, and had the whole system inspected by at least 10 different mechanics. Also the brakes feel like they are riding on a warped rotor. When breaking the pedal pushes back at the driver and makes it very difficult to control the breaking. This problem has also been looked at by the dealer and the aforementioned shops. To date no solution has been found and the problem keeps getting worse. I fear that either of these problems can cause a major failure leading to injury or death.

While applying the brake pedal, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the rotors and brake pads needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.

When consumer attempted to have the brake pads changed he found that the bolts on each side of the brake assembly were missing. The dealer replaced the missing bolts.

While the vehicle was being repaired for other issues, it was discovered the rear brake pads and emergency brake pads had crumbled into pieces when they were removed. Ts.

Vehicle was serviced by dealership on 8/9/2000 for a recall issued by Jeep regarding defective from brake rotors. Rotors were replace by dealership, along with a charge of $100 for new pads (vehicle only had 23,175 miles). Brakes worked fine prior to the recall, however since the repair they squeak from time to time and had begun to get worse. On 8/9/2001, the vehicle was returned to the dealership to resolve the problem. Dealership refushed to replace parts, commenting "it is a know problem the Jeeps have a problem with their front brakes. It is not uncommon for a Jeep with new brake pads to eat through the rotors in less than 9,000 miles. It you want it fixed you will have to pay for the repairs. " the repair invoice now states "vehicle needs rotors, customer decline at this time" because I will not pay them to fix a known Jeep defect. Problem was then brought to the attention of chysler customer service whose solution was that I be required to pay another one of their dealerships $75 for inspection of the brakes so that they could process a report. Their response was that they would work with me to review the parts, however it would be my responsibility to pay for the $75 inspection. I am now stuck with the option of paying chyrsler an addtional $75 (with no guarantee that they will even fix the problem that they created) or pay for the repairs out of my own pocket. Replacing one set of defective rotors with another set of defective rotors is not closure on a recall.

When consumer applies brakes it is not smooth braking. The brakes grab. Rotor and brake pads in good condition, but problem remains.

Rotors required resurfacing and pads replaced, causing pulsation. Mjs.

While driving about 30mph felt the brakes chattering. Took vehicle to dealer, and was informed that the rotors were warped, but the pads were fine. Rotors were replaced by the manufacturer & owner paid for labor & pads.

Brake rotors warped and pads worn. Mjs.

Brakes pulsating while stopping. Rotors cut at 15k mi. Problem returned. Rotors/pads replaced at 22k mi. $625. Sucks.

Abs brake problems; when applying brakes on regular road conditions,brakes pulsate and the truck pulls to the right. The brake pads and rotors have been replaced 5 times by the dealership. Within a thousand miles after being replaced the problem started again.

When applying brakes, during normal braking pedal pulstated. This happened on any type of road surface. Jeep was taken to the dealership a couple of times for this problem. Rotors were resurfaced in June of 99. Pads have been replaced. Problem with the brakes continued. The rotors are very thin which cause warping. Please provide any further information.

While traveling and when depressing brake pedal it traveled to floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer pumped brake pedal still to floorboard. Then, consumer pulled vehicle over, and noticed brake pads off shoes. Please provide further information.

Front brake pads constantly wear out due to the defective (abs) system that does not work, causing front brakes to do all the work. Dealer has been contacted.

Brake shudders, brake rotors, and brake pads failed.