🔧 Cherokee - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

You’ll remove the rear wheels, swing the rear brake calipers out of the way, replace the pads, and then reinstall everything with the correct torque. On your Cherokee, the rear brakes are tied into the electronic parking brake (EPB), so you must put the EPB into “pad replacement/service mode” before pushing the pistons back.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

Assumption: your Cherokee uses an electronic parking brake (dash switch).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the SUV with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Do not press the brake pedal while a caliper is off the rotor.
• 🔥 Brakes can be very hot; let them cool before touching.
• ⚡ EPB caution: do not force the rear pistons back unless the EPB is in service mode, or you can damage the caliper/EPB mechanism.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required, but keep the ignition OFF while you’re unbolting parts unless you’re actively placing the EPB into service mode.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench (20–200 ft-lbs range)
• Ratchet
• Socket set (8mm–21mm)
• 13mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Breaker bar
• Flathead screwdriver
• C-clamp brake piston compressor
• Brake caliper hanger hook
• Wire brush
• Scan tool with FCA EPB service function (specialty)
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake pad hardware/abutment clips - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant silicone paste - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to P, and chock the front wheels with wheel chocks.
• Make sure the EPB is released (parking brake OFF) before lifting the rear.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts 1/2 turn using a lug wrench before you lift the SUV.
• Plan how you’ll retract the EPB: use a scan tool with FCA EPB service function (specialty) to command “Pad Replacement/Service Mode.” (A scan tool is a handheld device that talks to the vehicle computers.)

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Put the EPB into pad replacement (service) mode

• Connect your scan tool with FCA EPB service function (specialty) and follow its EPB menu to command rear brake Pad Replacement/Service Mode.
• If your scan tool offers prompts, follow them exactly and wait until it confirms the EPB is fully retracted.
• Don’t skip this—prevents caliper damage.

Step 2: Lift the rear and remove the wheels

• Lift the rear with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and set it securely on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove the lug nuts using a lug wrench, then remove both rear wheels.

Step 3: Open the brake fluid reservoir (pressure relief)

• Open the hood and loosen the brake fluid reservoir cap by hand (do not remove it completely).
• This helps fluid return when you compress the pistons.

Step 4: Remove the rear caliper guide pin bolts

• At one rear wheel, locate the two caliper guide pin bolts on the back of the caliper.
• Remove the guide pin bolts using a 13mm socket and ratchet.
• If they’re tight, use a breaker bar carefully.

Step 5: Lift the caliper off and hang it safely

• Gently pry the caliper free with a flathead screwdriver if needed.
• Hang the caliper from the suspension using a brake caliper hanger hook.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.

Step 6: Remove old pads and hardware

• Pull the inner and outer pads out by hand.
• Remove the pad abutment clips (hardware) from the bracket by hand or with a flathead screwdriver.

Step 7: Clean the bracket contact points

• Spray the bracket and hardware areas with brake cleaner.
• Lightly scrub pad “slide” surfaces with a wire brush until clean and smooth.
• Clean slides help prevent uneven pad wear.

Step 8: Install new hardware and lubricate correctly

• Install the new abutment clips by hand.
• Apply a thin film of brake lubricant silicone paste where the pad ears touch the clips.
• Do not get lubricant on the pad friction material or rotor.

Step 9: Retract (compress) the rear caliper piston

• Place an old pad against the piston face.
• Slowly compress the piston using a C-clamp brake piston compressor until it’s fully seated.
• If the piston will not compress smoothly, stop—recheck that EPB service mode is active using the scan tool with FCA EPB service function (specialty).

Step 10: Install the new rear pads

• Install the new inner and outer pads into the bracket by hand.
• Make sure the pads slide freely in the hardware clips (no sticking).

Step 11: Reinstall the caliper and torque the guide pin bolts

• Set the caliper back over the new pads by hand.
• Install the guide pin bolts using a 13mm socket and ratchet.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Repeat on the other rear side

• Perform Steps 4–11 on the other rear wheel.

Step 13: Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts

• Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-thread the lug nuts.
• Lower the SUV using the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench (20–200 ft-lbs range).
• Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

Step 14: Exit EPB service mode

• Use the scan tool with FCA EPB service function (specialty) to command EPB out of service mode.
• Verify the EPB applies and releases normally with the switch.

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✅ After Repair

• With the engine OFF, pump the brake pedal 10–15 times until it feels firm.
• Check brake fluid level; top off only if needed (do not overfill).
• Start the engine and confirm the brake pedal stays firm.
• Test the EPB apply/release in your driveway before driving.
• Road test at low speed first; listen for grinding or pulling.
• Bed-in gently: avoid hard stops for 200 km.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $280-$520 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $120-$460 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.