Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee 1997-2001: How to Replace Brake Fluid

If you feel a difference in brake pedal feel in your Jeep Cherokee, you may be due for a brake fluid change. Learn how to replace your brake fluid with the help of this article.

By Jerry Perez - September 3, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1997-2001).

Your Jeep's braking system is made up of the brake rotors, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder, and of course—brake pedal. Yet, all of those components need brake fluid in order to work properly. Brake fluid is a viscous liquid that provides the necessary pressure for the brake pads to push unto the rotor when you step on the brake pedal. Alike most parts, brake fluid can degrade over time and as the miles rack up. Follow this step-by-step guide to replace the brake fluid in your Jeep. It's a fairly straightforward process.

Materials Needed

  • DOT 3 brake fluid
  • Floor jack and jack stands
  • Lug nut wrench
  • 10mm wrench
  • Drip pan

Step 1 – Remove wheels

Before you commence any work, you must first jack up your Jeep and remove the wheels.

  • Use the lug nut wrench to partially loosen the lug nuts.
  • Insert floor jack on appropriate jacking spot and lift vehicle off the ground.
  • Finish removing the lug nuts and pull off the wheel.
  • Secure Jeep on jack stands.
Figure 1. Jeep's jacking spot.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Car - CherokeeForum.com)

Step 2 – Bleed system

Before adding new brake fluid, you must first get rid of the old, dirty fluid. Follow these steps:

  • Locate the bleeder screw behind the brake caliper.
  • Pop the cover off the brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay.
  • Use the 10mm wrench to turn the bleeder screw until brake fluid comes out.
  • Wait approximately ten minutes until all the brake fluid comes out.
  • Do not tighten brake bleeder screw yet.
Figure 2. Brake fluid bleeder screw.

Pro Tip

Pump the brake pedal to help push the brake fluid out.

Step 3 – Add brake fluid

Wait until the flow of the old brake fluid coming out the bleeder screw has almost diminished. Then follow these steps:

  • Add new brake fluid into the brake fluid reservoir with the brake bleeder screw still open.
  • Use the 10mm wrench to close the bleeder screw when you see the new and clean brake fluid starting to come out.
  • Finish topping off the right amount of brake fluid into the reservoir and tighten reservoir cap.
Figure 3. Brake fluid reservoir.

Pro Tip

Pay attention to the fill-level line to know exactly how much brake fluid should be added.

Step 4 – Wrap up

Installation is the reverse of removal. Follow these steps:

  • Install the wheel back on.
  • Partially tighten down the lug nuts.
  • Remove the floor jacks.
  • Lower the Jeep to the ground.
  • Finish tightening the lug nuts with wrench.
  • Finally, test the system.

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