Jeep Cherokee 1977, Owner'S Manual

Page: 23 / 136

Self-Adjusting Drum Brakes
Jeep brakes adjust themselves automatically, saving you the
time and cost of periodic brake adjustments. The adjustment
occurs (if necessary) when you apply the brakes while moving
in reverse, which happens often enough during normal driv­
ing to keep the brakes in adjustment. If you find your brake
pedal at an abnormally low position, put the vehicle in reverse
and apply the brakes-repeat the forward and reverse apph­
cation three or four times. II this procedure does not restore
normal brake pedal position, have the brake fluid and linings
checked by your dealer.
WARNING: Don't "ride" the brakes by resting your foot on
the pedal. After going through deep water (or an automatic
wash) dry brakes by gentle intermittent pedal action while
dflvmg at very slow speeds.
Disc Brakes
Ventilated-rotor front disc brakes (optional on CJ models)
provide fade-resistance plus maximum stopping ability and
control under a wide variety of speed. weather and road
conditions. Disc brakes are self-adjusting and should be re­
lined when necessary.
Power Brakes
�
With power disc brakes (optional on CJ models: standard on
Cherokee. Wagoneer. and Truck). your braking effort re-
ceives a power assist from eng1nf! vacuum. s1gn1f1cantly re-
ducing the effort necessary in braking. Even after the engine
stops, the built-in vacuum reserve system assists for one or
two brake applications. With no vacuum rHerve, sub-
stantially grHter pedal effort is needed for braking.
Brake System Warning Light
The brake system warning light in the instrument cluster will
glow red 1f there 1s a loss of hydraulic pressure in the brake
system (also indicates parking brake engagement) As the
key 1s turned to start the engine. the light should glow If 1t
doesn't glow. the bulb may be burned out and should be
checked 1mmed1ately. However. 1f the bulb glows while the
vehicle 1s in motion and the parking brake 1s released, it 1s a
warning that pressure 1s lost and calls for 1mmed1ate repair.
The warning light does not indicate fluid level in the master
cylinder. which must be regularly inspected (see
Mainte­
nance
section).
21