Leaking break fluid and needs a new fuel pump
08-23-2014 | 11:22 PM
#31
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,567
Likes: 19
From: ☼ Blackhole Sun
Year: My Jeep is a GMC
j/k
08-24-2014 | 03:38 AM
#32
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 30
From: Detroit, Michigan
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
As Cruiser said: We were all 17 once. The problem with brakes is you don't know what you don't know. I found disc brakes pretty easy and GM drum brakes pretty easy. I didn't find the drum brakes on my '87 that easy and got the self-adjuster messed up. I ended up taking it in to good mechanic and he said "You really messed those up!".
You need to get a Haynes manual, search some youtube videos on drum brakes and watch them to see if you think you have all the tools, time and ambition to do it yourself. I picked up a lot of brake tools at garage sales. Lots of old guys not wanting to work on cars anymore and getting rid of stuff all the time.
The people on this forum will help you a lot but you need to post very accurately what the problems are and if you use the wrong names for parts, they will lose confidence in your ability to really fix it and you will just get empty space under your posting.
For everyone there is a first time for everything so get someone else who has done this before a few times to coach you. If that's your Dad or uncle, great. If it's the old guy next door that's fine too.
Good luck.
You need to get a Haynes manual, search some youtube videos on drum brakes and watch them to see if you think you have all the tools, time and ambition to do it yourself. I picked up a lot of brake tools at garage sales. Lots of old guys not wanting to work on cars anymore and getting rid of stuff all the time.
The people on this forum will help you a lot but you need to post very accurately what the problems are and if you use the wrong names for parts, they will lose confidence in your ability to really fix it and you will just get empty space under your posting.
For everyone there is a first time for everything so get someone else who has done this before a few times to coach you. If that's your Dad or uncle, great. If it's the old guy next door that's fine too.
Good luck.
Plus... when the internet isn't working, your manual still does...
08-24-2014 | 03:40 AM
#33
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 30
From: Detroit, Michigan
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Also, you can ask around on this site for people who might know a good/safe/cheap mechanic in your area... just be sure to let him/her know who sent you.
08-25-2014 | 07:54 AM
#34
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
All good advice here. A Haynes manual is a good starting point but there's no substitute for seeing it done. Like many said it's not a real tough job if you know what you're doing but if this is your first endevor into mechanics it can be tricky... especially when you break and brake line or something as someone else pointed out. Study up a bit, watch some videos, get a manual but if at all possible find someone to help you who has done it before. I've been lucky enough to learn a lot of what I know from mechanics who have been doing this kind of stuff for years and know all the tricks. I'm certainly not an expert but it has saved me a lot of headaches.
Agreed on the fuel pump, if it starts, runs and drives without issue it doesn't sound like you need one. I would be interested to hear their reasoning.
Agreed on the fuel pump, if it starts, runs and drives without issue it doesn't sound like you need one. I would be interested to hear their reasoning.
Last edited by GreenManXJ; 08-25-2014 at 08:10 AM.
08-25-2014 | 09:36 AM
#36
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6
If you get a good start after a few on/off cycles you don't really need to mess with fuel pump unless you want to. Once priming it stops working so well your pump is starting to go.
08-25-2014 | 10:04 AM
#37
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,565
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Thats just your check valve. Its supposed to stop fuel from traveling back into the tank. They go out and the fuel line doesn't retain pressure when the vehicle is off.
If you get a good start after a few on/off cycles you don't really need to mess with fuel pump unless you want to. Once priming it stops working so well your pump is starting to go.
If you get a good start after a few on/off cycles you don't really need to mess with fuel pump unless you want to. Once priming it stops working so well your pump is starting to go.
08-25-2014 | 10:20 AM
#38
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 6
From: York, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thats just your check valve. Its supposed to stop fuel from traveling back into the tank. They go out and the fuel line doesn't retain pressure when the vehicle is off.
If you get a good start after a few on/off cycles you don't really need to mess with fuel pump unless you want to. Once priming it stops working so well your pump is starting to go.
If you get a good start after a few on/off cycles you don't really need to mess with fuel pump unless you want to. Once priming it stops working so well your pump is starting to go.
Also, I'm going to disagree with everyone about Hayne's manual. Probably the biggest waste of $20 I ever spent on my Jeep. Find yourself a field service manual or Chilton's, if you can find one.
08-26-2014 | 12:59 AM
#39
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6
08-26-2014 | 08:20 AM
#40
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,565
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Yes, classic symptoms of bad check valve. The problem is, the check valve is integrated into the fuel pump assembly. You either replace the whole assembly, or integrate an external check valve into the fuel line, which is just asking for trouble. I know there a few write-ups on it, though.
Also, I'm going to disagree with everyone about Hayne's manual. Probably the biggest waste of $20 I ever spent on my Jeep. Find yourself a field service manual or Chilton's, if you can find one.
Also, I'm going to disagree with everyone about Hayne's manual. Probably the biggest waste of $20 I ever spent on my Jeep. Find yourself a field service manual or Chilton's, if you can find one.
Never used Chilton's but Factory is the way to go.
08-27-2014 | 09:54 PM
#42
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 925
Likes: 5
From: Fort Erie, CANADA
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
For sure there are issues with the Haynes manual but it has lots of stuff on simple things like how to change your oil, oil filter, rotate tire etc. Good pictures, wiring diagrams. Lots of stuff for beginners. I got one for free for the Jeep (garage sale again).
People are spoiled now-Just type it in to you tube and you get to watch a young guy do the brakes:
08-28-2014 | 03:34 AM
#45
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Masonville, NY
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
One item I don't believe that was mentioned. If you tackle the rear brakes yourself, be prepared to replace the rear brake lines (on the axle) if you live in the rust/snow belt. They often seize to the fitting and when you attempt to disconnect them, they twist and break/crimp.....
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