Brakes

[Martyman17]

Ok, are the brakes in a 77 CJ5 generally "soft" . My fluid is full and the brakes were professionally looked at ( the brakes themselves). My red BRAKE warning lamp is always on now, but I can not tell if that is from my crazy electric issues or the system telling me something is wrong. I have checked the brake lines after pumping brakes in the garage and no fluid on the floor. The Jeep does stop...but it seems that I have to press awful long in the travel to make them activate. Yes, it does stop, but I am not sure how it would do in an emergency situation. Suggestions?

 

[Sasquach]

Have you tried bleeding them at each wheel cylinder? that would be a good place to start if someone has already inspected the shoes/drums.

 

[IOPort51]

I have to suggest the replacement of the proportioning valve. Or at least bleed it properly. the light in attached to a switch on the top of this valve. If you disconnect it it will go out but it won't fix your brakes. The valve is on the drivers side inside the frame rail pretty close to the rear spring mount.
To properly bleed the brakes the little button on the end of the valve needs to be depressed while it is bled. There is a special clip/tool that is used to do this or you can have a buddy push it in with a screw driver while you bleed the wheel cylinders.

 

[Martyman17]

Thanks all... I looked at the system much harder. Broken rear brake lines...both of them....After buying this Jeep my name is Mud with da wife...and now my name will be I.M. Broke!

 

[CJKrawler]

Thanks all... I looked at the system much harder. Broken rear brake lines...both of them....After buying this Jeep my name is Mud with da wife...and now my name will be I.M. Broke!

Welcome to owning a Jeep. Let her take it off road once, and she might be out there helping you fix it!

 

[Martyman17]

Hey IO . Now that I see my brake lines are busted...can I make up one ones out of metal jacked Teflon hose. Where would I find the specs for my 77...or would you just suggest I go to NAPA or some such place and get the right hose. Should I just find someone and pay 'em if I never done this before?

 

[Sasquach]

Parts house or the online Jeep sites, you can do a S.S. braided upgrade if you like. I would not pay someone to do this and if you have never done anything of the sort now the time to learn.
Get your parts and check back.

 

[CJ]

Hey IO . Now that I see my brake lines are busted !!

Woa!

You have broken rear 'brake lines' (more then one)? Rear drum brakes have one center flexible line and two steel lines to each axle end.

Do you have disks on the rear? Disks have individual flexible lines (one per caliper).

If they are the steel lines into your drums, you can create your own (you have to use a double flare kit) or buy replacement lines.

Brakes are nothing to mess around with, we really need some GOOD info from you on this.