Constant replacement of front rotors and pads. I am on my 5th set of brakes in 4 years, with only 73,000 miles. This includes the original set and 4 replacements. They tell me it is because they had to get away from asbestos brakes and now the pads are too hard for the rotors. As a result, the rotors warp and then become extremely unstable between 45 and 65 mph. Above or below, there is very little problem. The violent movement of the steering is what creates an extremely unsafe vehicle.
This suggests an engineering problem with the braking system and I think they are lying about the cause. Chrysler has severely let me down on this. My last Cherokee Briarwood was a fantastic vehicle. The 2000 Grand Cherokee is a disappointment. I love the size and utility, but hate the constant service on brakes.
Utility is terrific.
Gas mileage could be better.
Brakes are terrible.
Chrysler should be sued in a class action regarding their poorly engineered and extremely unsafe brakes.
I had the same problem with my 2000 Grand Cherokee until a switched to Raybestos pads & rotors all around.
I also have a 2000 Grand Cherokee Lemon, er Laredo. I guess I've been lucky with the brakes, I've only had them replaced twice (under the 36K-mile warranty both times). I'm almost at 73,000 miles and getting ready to get another set of brakes. The violent shaking coming off the expressway is frightening.
Another question, has anyone ever had a problem with a "honking" noise coming from the front end when turning to the right? Chrysler tells me it's lack of a hydraulic cooling system and that the "engineers are working on a fix" but that was 3 years ago. I'll never buy another Chrysler product that's for sure, even a Jeep.
I've got a 2002 grand cherokee, brakes were fine until about 32,000 miles, then violent shaking of the steering wheel started. Had front rotors replaced and all was fine, but after about 4 weeks the shaking started again. Serviceman said its probably how I drive... no way. How could they be fine that long, about 2 years, then they go bad in 3 weeks. They resurfaced them and all was OK for about another 4 weeks, and then it started back up again. Shacking like crazy during braking between about 65 and 45 mph. Its in the shop again right now, hopefully it won't cost me too much. I'm happy with it for the most part, but brakes need some re-engineering. One other thing, after a few miles on a cold day when stopping at a light, smoke or fog (condensation) starts billowing from the hood. I swear it looks like its on fire or something. Other drivers look my way and its like duh... what the hecks wrong with your car? Dealer says its normal just water on the engine boiling off, but I have my doubts. It sure doesn't seem right to me. It's never happened with any other car I've owned.
I have a 2004 jeep grand cherokee that I bought new two years ago. Last year I had to have my rotors replaced that work was covered under warranty. But, I just dropped my jeep off for the same problem and was told that this is a normal problem with the brakes and that the "kit" (not covered by the warranty) would be $285.00 + tax.
If they need a kit to fix the problem would that not indicate a design problem?
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