I have a 2001 jeep cherokee and a few days ago I noticed my driverside rear tire looked like the inside of the tire was cleaned (really shiney) I'm thinking brake fluid is being sprayed on it from somewhere. Where could it be coming from? I am losing a little brake fluid out of the resovior I haven't actually looked behind the tire yet, just trying to get some ideas before I look tonight

 

Most likely wheel cylinders. If it were me I'd replace both wheel cylinders as well as the rear brake pads.

 

Of course. This is assuming you have drum brakes in the back

 

I do have drum brakes. And thank you for your help

 

Will changing the wheel cylinders require me to bleed the brakes? I'm kinda new to doing repairs myself

 

Not sure where you live, ive got wheel cyls and shoes f or a Dana 35. Dont automatically go to brakes, could be axle seal, is the fluid on the tire greasy at all?

 

Yes, you will need to bleed the brakes.

 

But with new wheel cylinders it will be a breeze to bleed. Normally the hardest hard is getting the bleeder screw open without breaking it. You wont have to bleed the front, only rears.

 

agreed, probably leaking wheel cylinder. buy plenty of break cleaner and keep everything sprayed down and clean.
go ahead and replace the SPRING KITS on both sides along with with the pads and cylinders. Low doe and worth it as the springs weaken over time.
the break lines might be a pain to break loose from the wheel cylinder. BREAK them loose before you loosen the wheel cylinder from the backing plate.
USE LINE WRENCHES when working with break lines.
I have also seen where the fittings don't spin on the break line and the break line wants to twist. pre-soaking with PB Blaster "might" help prevent this.

 

If you use a lil propane torch the fittings come right apart. Ive taken 40+ year old fittings right off with some torch heat.

 

While you are in there, check your axle seals for leaks.

 

good plan, that heat, heat can/is your friend in a lot of applications.
I've seen a lot of crusty, clapped out well worn break lines that are better to be scrapped and replaced.
Break lines are cheap and easily replaced. When I find myself fooling with them and they want to twist in the fitting and looking crusty, i just go back to the splitter and replace the lines. for the low cost and with having everything else back there new, why not replace the lines if'n they is junk.
Take your drums in and have them turned when replacing shoes, also. They could be junk and out of speck also.

 

sorry 'bout the double post

 

Ya replace the rusty ones. I just meant the torch to help get things apart. When inspecting lines, remember that in a panic stop situation, there can be over 3,000 psi inside those little lines!