So I kind of knew this was coming...

[KJ zGal]

Took the KJ in to get the oil changed, tires rotated and balanced, and didn't mention to the mechanic that I thought the rotors were going to have to be replaced soon, because I didn't want him to be making any crap up to get me to spend money. Anyway, he came out after they finished and informed me that the rotors were starting to look pretty rough, which I already knew, and told me that even though I'd had them turned about 9k miles ago, sometimes the rust comes from the inside and turning them doesn't fix the problem. ANYWAY, he mentioned to me that I had four disc brakes--while I am almost positive the 2002 KJs had rear drum brakes and front disc brakes. I lost the sheet that's got everything the KJ has based on my VIN number, so I was wondering if anyone else could second this fact, or tell me how I can check. I'm assuming they look different. Also, he recommended Bendix rotors that are grooved if I can find them, because they dissipate the heat faster. I'm also looking for something that is not ungodly expensive, but that will last a decent amount of time. Any advice? What do you guys think?

 

[Jeepin05]

Yeah I always thought 02's had drums on the back as well with disc up front. Not sure what year they switched over to full discs.

And yeah they look different:
Disc Brakes (top right pic) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_brakes
Drum Brakes (bottom center pic) - http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/drum-brake.htm

Hope that helps...

Edit: Oh yeah and I've read numerous times that the stock rotors are junk and tend to only last 40k miles or so. I think your best bet would be to get replacement rotors from NAPA...look to be ~$40 for their premium rotors.

 

[yellocoyote]

Mine are drum brakes.

And x2 ^^^ - get new rotors if yours are still original equipment. Stopping power is SO much better.

 

[KJ zGal]

Thanks guys, those are definitely drums in the back as I TOLD him...grr...but anyway, just got done speaking to my regular mechanic--He told me they turned them at 107k and since the pulsing has come back already he'll just charge me for the rotors and no labor. He told me he has never had any problems with the rotors he uses as replacements--they're aftermarket rotors. Not the best, but on a scale of good, better, best, he told me he uses "better," lol. So now I'm thinking I'll just get them done and get it over with.

 

[sleeve]

Just as a future FYI - the rotors on the KJ should be replaced when they are warped, not turned. These rotors are designed as "throw away" when bad.

 

[drawnon]

my 03 sport has 4 disks

 

[kb0nly]

my 03 sport has 4 disks

Yep same here, my 03' Sport is all wheel disc's... They must have went to that with the 03' model year then.

 

[tan's2002kjlimited]

Personally, I'd rather have the drums on the back.

 

[jnaut]

Edit: Oh yeah and I've read numerous times that the stock rotors are junk and tend to only last 40k miles or so. I think your best bet would be to get replacement rotors from NAPA...look to be ~$40 for their premium rotors.

Gonna depend on the driver. I got 74,000 on my first set of OEM front rotors and pads, and there was no evidence I even needed to replace the rotors (controversy over turning vs. total replacement aside). That included off-road miles in hard-core steep terrain. Lots of braking while going down hill. And my daily driving is done in Seattle, which means hills. Lots of them and they're steep.

I replaced them with Powerslots and the Adaptive One ceramics.

 

[sootie007]

Jnaut do you get brake dust on your rims with those pads ?

 

[Dave]

I replaced them with Powerslots and the Adaptive One ceramics.

jnaut......how are the Powerslots and ceramics working out for you??

Dave

 

[oddball]

Personally, I'd rather have the drums on the back.

Personally I'm glad I have the drums.

As for rotors & pads, the previous owner (my nephew) installed the Freemax (dry) rotors and Wagner Thermo-Quite Pads. The rotors are excellent (fall into the "best" aftermarket catagory), but I think the pads suck. I'm going to switch to EBC pads when I need to replace the brakes.

 

[tommudd]

Glad I don't have to worry about all of that,
128,000 miles and rear brakes are original
front pads replaced at 100,000 just cause I had it tore down and a set laying there.
Rotors are stock yet and no problems

You all must use your brakes all the time to slow down and stop!

But NAPA has good stuff
I will go with them if these ever need replacing

 

[oddball]

The only thing I've found "good" about Napa is Zerex G05.

 

[valvestem]

Just to affirm what has already been said. The Jeep Liberty was introduced in 2002 with drum brakes in the rear, and disk brakes in the front. When the 2003 model year was introduced they had installed disk brakes on all four corners, and lowered the body about an inch closer to the frame. The body lowering was in response to purported or perceived issues of too high a center of gravity, and worries about rollovers causing litigation.

 

[jnaut]

Jnaut do you get brake dust on your rims with those pads ?

No, they're a real low dust pad. My understanding is their stopping power is not as good as the non-ceramic pads, but the dust is very low. I get almost no dust whatsover.

 

[jnaut]

jnaut......how are the Powerslots and ceramics working out for you??

Dave

Great so far. It was a first for me because I'd never done brakes on the liberty. I decided to go high-perf on the rotors and their stopping power is great. If they last as long as the OEM's did, I'll be ecstatic. That means I won't be touching them until 150,000 miles. I got a note from the dealer on my last factory service that my rear brakes are about ready to need replacing. I drove with the front ones in that state for a while so I'm not particularly worried.

 

[jnaut]

You all must use your brakes all the time to slow down and stop!

But NAPA has good stuff
I will go with them if these ever need replacing

If I still lived here then my brakes would have probably lasted to 100k. But instead I live here where the traffic is always like this.

 

[KJ zGal]

I don't know if these are the stock rotors on my KJ or not. If they are they only started causing problems at 107k =P

 

[Dave]

I don't know if these are the stock rotors on my KJ or not. If they are they only started causing problems at 107k =P

Maybe they warped a little then after they were turned?? Anyway, the rotors are not too expensive and real easy to change.

Dave