assembled, they will not function. In addition, since
the adjuster mechanism only works during reverse
stops, it is important that complete stops be made.
The adjuster mechanism does not operate when roll-
ing stops are made in reverse. The vehicle must be
brought to a complete halt before the adjuster lever
will turn the adjuster screw.
A condition where the parking brakes do not hold,
will most probably be due to a wheel brake compo-
nent.
Items to look for when diagnosing a parking brake
problem, are:
²rear brakeshoe wear
²rear brakedrum wear
²brakedrums machined beyond allowable diameter
(oversize)
²parking brake front cable not secured to lever
²parking brake rear cable seized
²parking brake strut reversed
²parking brake strut not seated in both shoes
²parking brake lever not seated in secondary shoe
²parking brake lever or brakeshoe bind on support
plate
²brakeshoes reversed
²adjuster screws seized
²adjuster screws reversed
²holddown or return springs misassembled or lack
tension
²wheel cylinder pistons seized
Brake drums that are machined oversize are diffi-
cult to identify. If oversize drums are suspected, the
diameter of the braking surface will have to be
checked with an accurate drum gauge. Oversize
drums will cause low brake pedal and lack of park-
ing brake holding ability.
Improper parking brake strut and lever installa-
tion will result in unsatisfactory parking brake oper-
ation. Intermixing the adjuster screws will cause
drag, bind and pull along with poor parking brake
operation.
Parking brake adjustment and parts replacement
procedures are described in the Parking Brake sec-
tion.
MASTER CYLINDER/POWER BOOSTER TEST
(1) Start engine and check booster vacuum hose
connections. Hissing noise indicates vacuum leak.
Correct any vacuum leak before proceeding.
(2) Stop engine and shift transmission into Neu-
tral.
(3) Pump brake pedal until all vacuum reserve in
booster is depleted.
(4) Press and hold brake pedal under light foot
pressure.
(a) If pedal holds firm, proceed to step (5).
(b) If pedal does not hold firm and falls away,
master cylinder is faulty (internal leakage). Over-
haul or replace cylinder.(5) Start engine and note pedal action.
(a) If pedal falls away slightly under light foot
pressure then holds firm, proceed to step (6).
(b) If no pedal action is discernible, power
booster or vacuum check valve is faulty. Install
known good check valve and repeat steps (2)
through (5).
(6) Rebuild booster vacuum reserve as follows: Re-
lease brake pedal. Increase engine speed to 1500
rpm, close throttle and immediately turn off ignition.
(7) Wait a minimum of 90 seconds and try brake
action again. Booster should provide two or more
vacuum assisted pedal applications. If vacuum assist
is not provided, perform booster and check valve vac-
uum tests.
POWER BOOSTER CHECK VALVE TEST
(1) Disconnect vacuum hose from check valve.
(2) Remove check valve and valve seal from
booster (Fig. 1).
(3) Hand operated vacuum pump can be used for
test (Fig. 2).
(4) Apply 15-20 inches vacuum at large end of
check valve (Fig. 1).
(5) Vacuum should hold steady. If gauge on pump
indicates any vacuum loss, valve is faulty and must
be replaced.
Fig. 1 Vacuum Check Valve And Seal (Typical)
Fig. 2 Hand Operated Vacuum Pump (Typical)
JBRAKES 5 - 11
CAUTION: Do not allow the master cylinder to run
out of fluid when bleeding the brakes. An empty
cylinder will allow additional air to be drawn into
the system. Check the cylinder fluid level frequently
and add fluid as needed.
(10) Bleed each wheel brake unit as follows:
(a) Open caliper or wheel cylinder bleed fitting
1/2 to 3/4 turn.
(b) Have helper press and hold brake pedal to
floor.Do not pump brake pedal while bleeding.
Air in system will be compressed into small
bubbles that are distributed throughout hy-
draulic system. This will make a second and
third bleeding operation necessary.
(c) Tighten bleed fitting and have helper release
brake pedal. Continue bleeding operation until
fluid entering bleed container is clear and free of
bubbles.
(d) Repeat bleeding operation at remaining
wheel brake units.
(e) Discard fluid bled into glass container. It
should not be reused.
(11) Check and adjust master cylinder fluid level.
(12) Verify proper brake operation before moving
vehicle.
PRESSURE BLEEDING
The front brake metering valve is located in the
forward end of the combination valve. The valve
stem is accessible from the same end of the valve.
The stem must be either pressed inward, or held out-
ward slightly in order to bleed the front brakes.
(1) Fill bleeder tank if necessary.
(2) Purge air from bleeder tank and lines before
proceeding.(3) Wipe master cylinder cover clean.
(4) Remove master cylinder cover and install pres-
sure hose adapter in place of cover. A suitable
adapter will usually be available from tank manufac-
turer.
(5) Connect bleeder tank pressure hose to adapter.
(6) Bleed master cylinder first. Then bleed rear
brakes as described in manual bleeding procedure.
(7) Bleed front brakes as described in manual
bleeding procedure. Have helper hold metering valve
open by pressing valve stem inward slightly. Amount
of valve stem movement needed to hold valve open is
quite modest. Do not use excessive force.
(8) Remove pressure bleeding equipment and top
off master cylinder reservoir.
BRAKE BLEEDINGÐXJ/YJ WITH ABS BRAKES
A different bleeding method is required for the
ABS system. It is basically a three step process
consisting of: A conventional manual brake
bleed. A second bleed using the DRB II, fol-
lowed by a repeat of the conventional manual
bleed procedure. Recommended ABS bleeding
procedure is as follows:
(1) Clean master cylinder reservoir caps and reser-
voir exterior. Dirt, foreign material on the caps and
reservoir must not be allowed to enter reservoir.
(2) Fill reservoir with Mopar brake fluid, or equiv-
alent quality fluid meeting SAE 1703 and DOT 3
standards.
(3) Recommended bleeding sequence is:
²master cylinder
²HCU valve body (at fluid lines)
²right rear wheel
²left rear wheel
²right front wheel
²left front wheel.
(4) Attach bleed hose to caliper or wheel cylinder
bleed fitting. Immerse end of bleed hose in glass con-
tainer partially filled with brake fluid. Be sure hose
end is submerged in fluid (Fig. 7).
(5) Bleed each wheel brake unit as follows:
(a) Have helper apply and hold brake pedal.
(b) Open bleed screw 1/2 turn. Close bleed screw
when brake pedal contacts floorpan.Do not pump
brake pedal at any time while bleeding. This
compresses air into small bubbles which are
distributed throughout system. Additional
bleeding operations will then be necessary to
remove all trapped air from the system.
(c) Repeat bleeding operation 5-7 more times at
each rear wheel brake unit.
(d) Continue bleeding until fluid entering glass
container is free of air bubbles. Check reservoir
fluid level frequently and add fluid if necessary.
(e) Repeat bleeding procedures at front wheels.
Fig. 7 Typical Bleed Hose And Fluid Container
5 - 14 BRAKESJ
ence) of piston and caliper boot groove (Fig. 24).
Grease serves as corrosion protection for these areas.
(8) Press caliper piston to bottom of bore.
(9) Seat dust boot in caliper with Installer Tool
C-4842 and Tool Handle C-4171 (Fig. 25).
(10) Install caliper bleed screw if removed.
CALIPER INSTALLATION
(1) Install brakeshoes in caliper (Figs. 11, 12).
(2) Connect brake hose fitting to caliper but do not
tighten fitting bolt completely at this time.Be sure
to use new washers on fitting bolt to avoid leaks
(Fig. 26).
(3) Install caliper. Position mounting notches at
lower end of brakeshoes on bottom mounting ledge(Fig. 13). Then rotate caliper over rotor and seat
notches at upper end of shoes on mounting ledge
(Fig. 13).
(4) Coat caliper mounting bolts with GE 661 or
Dow 111 silicone grease. Then install and tighten
bolts to 10-20 Nzm (7-15 ft. lbs.) torque.
CAUTION: If new caliper bolts are being installed,
or if the original reason for repair was a drag/pull
condition, check caliper bolt length before proceed-
ing. If the bolts have a shank length greater than
67.6 mm (2.66 in.), they may contact the inboard
brakeshoe causing a partial apply condition. Refer
to Figure 14 for the required caliper bolt length.
(5) Position front brake hose clear of all chassis
components and tighten caliper fitting bolt to 31 Nzm
(23 ft. lbs.) torque.
CAUTION: Be sure the brake hose is not twisted or
kinked at any point. Also be sure the hose is clear
of all steering and suspension components. Loosen
and reposition the hose if necessary.
(6) Install wheels. Tighten wheel lug nuts to 109-
150 Nzm (80-110 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Fill and bleed brake system. Refer to proce-
dures in Service Adjustments section.
ROTOR REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and remove wheel.
(2) Remove caliper.
(3) Remove retainers securing rotor to hub studs
(Fig. 27).
(4) Remove rotor from hub (Fig. 27).
(5) If rotor shield requires service, remove front
hub and bearing assembly.
ROTOR INSTALLATION
(1) Install rotor on hub.
(2) Install caliper.
Fig. 24 Typical Caliper/Piston Areas To Be Lightly
Coated With Silicone Grease
Fig. 25 Seating Caliper Piston Piston Dust Boot
Fig. 26 Front Brake Hose And Fitting Components
5 - 30 BRAKESJ
ABS SYSTEM OPERATION
INDEX
page page
Acceleration Switch....................... 41
Combination Valve....................... 42
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)............... 41
General Information....................... 39
Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)................ 39
Ignition Switch........................... 42Master Cylinder.......................... 40
Pedal Travel Sensor...................... 41
Power Brake Booster..................... 40
System Relays.......................... 42
System Warning Lights.................... 42
Wheel Speed Sensors..................... 41
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Jeep antilock brake system (ABS) is an elec-
tronically operated, all-wheel brake control system.
Major components include the master cylinder, vac-
uum power brake booster, ECU, hydraulic control
unit (HCU) and various control sensors (Fig. 1). The
ABS brake system is available on XJ and YJ models.
The antilock hydraulic system is a three channel de-
sign. The front wheel brakes are controlled individually
and the rear wheel brakes in tandem (Fig. 2).
The antilock system is designed to retard wheel
lockup during periods of high wheel slip when brak-
ing. Retarding wheel lockup is accomplished by mod-
ulating fluid pressure to the wheel brake units.
The ABS electronic control system is separate from
other electrical circuits in the vehicle. A specially
programmed electronic control unit (ECU) is used to
operate the system components.
System components include:
²electronic control unit (ECU)
²wheel speed sensors and axle shaft tone rings²hydraulic control unit (HCU)
²tandem master cylinder with central valves
²vacuum power brake booster
²pedal travel sensor
²acceleration switch
²main relay and pump motor relay
²ABS warning light
²pump motor sensor
HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU)
The hydraulic control unit (HCU) consists of a
valve body and pump/motor assembly (Fig. 3).
The valve body contains the electrically operated
solenoid valves. It is the solenoid valves that modu-
late brake fluid apply pressure during antilock brak-
ing. The valves are operated by the antilock
electronic control unit (ECU).
Fig. 1 Antilock Components (XJ Shown)
Fig. 2 AntiLock System Basic Layout
JBRAKES 5 - 39
4). The engine intake manifold serves as the vacuum
source for booster operation.
The booster is mounted on the engine compartment
side of the dash panel. The master cylinder is
mounted on attaching studs at the front of the
booster. The master cylinder central valves are di-
rectly actuated by the booster push rod.
The pedal travel sensor is mounted in the forward
face of the booster shell. The sensor plunger is actu-
ated by the booster diaphragm plate.
PEDAL TRAVEL SENSOR
The pedal travel sensor signals brake pedal posi-
tion to the antilock ECU. The sensor signal is based
on changes in electrical resistance. The resistance
changes occur in steps that are generated by changes
in brake pedal position. A resistance signal gener-
ated by changing brake pedal position, will cause the
ECU to run the antilock pump when necessary.
The sensor is a plunger-type, electrical switch
mounted in the forward housing of the power brake
booster (Fig. 5). The sensor plunger is actuated by
movement of the booster diaphragm plate.
The tip on the sensor plunger is color coded. The
tip must be matched to the color dot on the face of
the brake booster front shell (Fig. 5).
WHEEL SPEED SENSORS
A sensor is used at each wheel. The sensors convert
wheel speed into an electrical signal. This signal is trans-
mitted to the antilock electronic control unit (ECU).
A gear-type tone ring serves as the trigger mecha-
nism for each sensor. The tone rings are mounted at
the outboard ends of the front and rear axle shafts.
Different sensors are used at the front and rear
wheels (Fig. 6). The front/rear sensors have the same
electrical values but are not interchangeable.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU)
A separate electronic control unit (ECU) monitors,
operates and controls the antilock system (Fig. 7).
The ECU contains dual microprocessors. The logic
block in each microprocessor receives identical sensor
signals. These signals are processed and compared si-
multaneously (Fig. 8).
The ECU is located under the instrument panel. It
is located at the right side of the steering column.
The power up voltage source for the ECU is through
the ignition switch in the On and Run positions.
The antilock ECU is separate from the other vehi-
cle electronic control units. It contains a self check
program that illuminates the amber warning light
when a system fault is detected. Faults are stored in
a diagnostic program memory and are accessible
with the DRB II scan tool.
ABS faults remain in memory until cleared, or until af-
ter the vehicle is started approximately 50 times. Stored
faults arenoterased if the battery is disconnected.
ACCELERATION SWITCH
An acceleration switch (Fig. 9), provides an addi-
tional vehicle deceleration reference during 4-wheel
drive operation. The switch is monitored by the anti-
lock ECU at all times.
The switch reference signal is utilized by the ECU
when all wheels are decelerating at the same speed.
Equal wheel speeds occur during braking in undiffer-
entiated 4-wheel ranges.
Fig. 5 Pedal Travel Sensor Location
Fig. 6 Wheel Speed Sensors
JBRAKES 5 - 41
SYSTEM RELAYS
The ABS system has two relays, which are the
main and motor pump relays. The motor pump relay
is used for the motor pump only. The main relay is
used for the solenoid valves and remaining system
components. The main relay is connected to the ECU
at the power control relay terminal.
The pump motor relay starts/stops the pump motor
when signaled by the ECU. The start/stop signal tothe ECU is generated by the pedal travel sensor. Re-
fer to the ABS schematic at the end of this section
for circuit details.
IGNITION SWITCH
The antilock ECU and warning light are in
standby mode with the ignition switch in Off or Ac-
cessory position. No operating voltage is supplied to
the system components.
A 12 volt power feed is supplied to the ECU, re-
lays, solenoid valves, and warning light when the ig-
nition switch is in the ON, Start and Run positions.
Refer to the ABS system schematic at the end of this
section for details.
SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS
Two warning lights are used. The standard brake
system light is red. The antilock system light is am-
ber. Both lights are in the instrument cluster. The
amber ABS light is in circuit with the ECU and op-
erates independently of the red brake light.
The amber light indicates antilock system condi-
tion. It is in circuit with the valve body solenoids and
main relay. The light illuminates (flashes) at
start-up for the self check. The light then goes out
when the self check program determines system op-
eration is normal.
If an ABS fault occurs either during the start-up
self check, or during normal operation, the amber
light remains on until the fault is corrected.
COMBINATION VALVE
A combination valve is used with the ABS system
(Fig. 2). The valve contains a front/rear brake pres-
sure switch and proportioning valve. The valve is
connected between the master cylinder and hydraulic
control unit (HCU).
Fig. 7 Anti-Lock ECU
Fig. 8 ECU Dual Microprocessor Schematic
Fig. 9 Acceleration Switch
5 - 42 BRAKESJ
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION
INDEX
page page
ABS Operation in Antilock Braking Mode....... 43
ABS Operation in Normal Braking Mode....... 43
Acceleration Switch Operation............... 45
ECY Operation.......................... 46HCU Pump and Pedal Travel Sensor Operation . 44
HCU Solenoid Valve Operation.............. 43
System Power-Up and Initialization........... 43
Wheel Speed Sensor Operation............. 45
SYSTEM POWER-UP AND INITIALIZATION
The antilock system is in standby mode with the
ignition switch in Off or Accessory position. The an-
tilock electrical components are not operational.
Turning the ignition switch to On or Run position
allows battery voltage to flow through the switch to
the ECU ignition terminal.
The ABS system is activated when battery voltage
is supplied to the ECU. The ECU performs a system
initialization procedure at this point. Initialization
consists of a static and dynamic self check of system
electrical components.
The static check occurs immediately after the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position. The dynamic
check occurs when vehicle road speed reaches ap-
proximately 10 kph (6 mph). During the dynamic
check, the ECU briefly cycles the pump to verify op-
eration. The HCU solenoids are checked continu-
ously.
If an ABS component exhibits a fault during ini-
tialization, the ECU illuminates the amber warning
light and registers a fault code in the microprocessor
memory.
ABS OPERATION IN NORMAL BRAKING MODE
The ECU monitors wheel speed sensor inputs con-
tinuously while the vehicle is in motion. However,
the ECU will not activate any ABS components as
long as sensor inputs and the acceleration switch in-
dicate normal braking.
During normal braking, the master cylinder, power
booster and wheel brake units all function as they
would in a vehicle without ABS. The HCU compo-
nents are not activated.
ABS OPERATION IN ANTILOCK BRAKING MODE
The purpose of the antilock system is to prevent
wheel lockup during periods of high wheel slip. Pre-
venting lockup helps maintain vehicle braking action
and steering control.
The antilock ECU activates the system whenever
sensor signals indicate periods of high wheel slip.
High wheel slip can be described as the point where
wheel rotation begins approaching zero (or lockup)
during braking. Periods of high wheel slip occur
when brake stops involve high pedal pressure and
rate of vehicle deceleration.The antilock system retards lockup during high
slip conditions by modulating fluid apply pressure to
the wheel brake units.
Brake fluid apply pressure is modulated according
to wheel speed, degree of slip and rate of decelera-
tion. A sensor at each wheel converts wheel speed
into electrical signals. These signals are transmitted
to the ECU for processing and determination of
wheel slip and deceleration rate.
The Jeep ABS system has three fluid pressure con-
trol channels. The front brakes are controlled sepa-
rately and the rear brakes in tandem (Fig. 10). A
speed sensor input signal indicating high slip condi-
tions activates the ECU antilock program.
Two solenoid valves are used in each antilock con-
trol channel (Fig. 11). The valves are all located
within the HCU valve body and work in pairs to ei-
ther increase, hold, or decrease apply pressure as
needed in the individual control channels.
The solenoid valves are not static during antilock
braking. They are cycled continuously to modulate
pressure. Solenoid cycle time in antilock mode can be
measured in milliseconds.
HCU SOLENOID VALVE OPERATION
Normal Braking
During normal braking, the HCU solenoid valves
and pump are not activated. The master cylinder and
power booster operate the same as a vehicle without
an ABS brake system.
Antilock Pressure Modulation
Solenoid valve pressure modulation occurs in three
stages which are: pressure increase, pressure hold,
and pressure decrease. The valves are all contained
in the valve body portion of the HCU.
Pressure Decrease
The outlet valve is opened and the inlet valve is
closed during the pressure decrease cycle (Fig. 11).
A pressure decrease cycle is initiated when speed
sensor signals indicate high wheel slip at one or
more wheels. At this point, the ECU opens the outlet
valve. Opening the outlet valve also opens the hy-
draulic return circuit to the master cylinder reser-
JANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION 5 - 43
(5) Install lever cover. Secure cover with new riv-
ets, or original attaching screws.
(6) Raise vehicle.
(7) Connect tensioner to lever with retaining pin
and E-clip.
(8) Install nuts attaching lever support plate to le-
ver screws.
(9) Adjust parking brakes. Refer to procedure in
this section.
PARKING BRAKE CABLE TENSIONER
REPLACEMENT (XJ)
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove adjuster nut from tensioner rod. Secure
equalizer and cables to nearby chassis component
with wire.
(3) Remove nuts attaching lever assembly to sup-
port plate and floorpan.
(4) Lower vehicle.
(5) Remove console components and lever assembly
cover.
(6) Remove lever and tensioner assembly.
(7) Move cover and boot for access to tensioner re-
taining pin.
(8) Remove E-clip and pin that attach tensioner to
lever arm (Fig. 3).
(9) Remove tensioner from cover.
(10) Transfer boot to new tensioner if necessary.
(11) Attach tensioner to lever arm with pin and
E-clip.
(12) Verify that E-clip is fully engaged in pin (Fig.
3).(13) Align cover and seal on lever flange.
(14) Verify that tensioner boot is seated in cover
(Fig. 5).
(15) Install assembled lever and tensioner in floor-
pan.
(16) Install necessary console components.
(17) Adjust parking brakes as described in this sec-
tion.
PARKING BRAKE PEDAL REMOVAL (YJ)
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Loosen equalizer nuts until front cable is slack
(Fig. 11).
(3) Lower vehicle.
(4) Remove dash-to-instrument panel brace rod, if
equipped.
(5) Disconnect warning light switch wire from
pedal assembly.
(6) On some YJ models, a ground wire may be at-
tached to upper end of bolt that secures parking
brake pedal to instrument panel. Wire is secured
with a nut. Be sure to remove nut and detach ground
wire before proceeding. If this wire is not removed
beforehand, wire and harness could be damaged
when pedal assembly bolt is removed. Ground wire
and attaching nut are accessible from under instru-
ment panel.
(7) Remove bolt securing pedal assembly to instru-
ment panel (Fig. 12).
(8) In engine compartment, remove pedal mount-
ing stud nuts.
(9) Remove pedal assembly from panel.
(10) Disengage front cable from retainer (Fig. 12).
(11) Squeeze cable clip (Fig. 12) and pull cable out
of pedal frame.
(12) Remove pedal assembly.
PARKING BRAKE PEDAL INSTALLATION (YJ)
(1) Connect front cable to pedal retainer.
Fig. 10 Lever Cover (XJ)
Fig. 11 Front Cable And Equalizer (YJ)
JPARKING BRAKES 5 - 61