A Guide to Replacing Disc Brake Pads on Your 2013-2023 Jeep Cherokee
Everything a Cherokee owner needs to know about choosing the right aftermarket brake pads for quiet, confident stopping.
- For rear brake pad replacement, you MUST use the 'Brake Service Mode' in the infotainment system to retract the electronic parking brake.
- For most drivers, premium ceramic pads from brands like Akebono or Bosch offer the best balance of quiet operation, low dust, and reliable performance.
- For towing or a noticeable performance upgrade, consider a carbon-fiber ceramic kit from PowerStop (Z36) or EBC Brakes.
- Always plan to replace or resurface your brake rotors at the same time as your pads for the best and safest results.
Signs Your Jeep Cherokee Needs New Brake Pads
When your brake pads are wearing thin, your Cherokee will give you several warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs, so it's best to address them quickly.
🎬 Watch: A quick guide to common bad brake pad symptoms.- Squealing or Screeching Noises: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad material gets low, this tab scrapes against the rotor, making a high-pitched noise when you brake. This is a clear sign it's time for new pads.
- Grinding Sounds: If you hear a deep, metal-on-metal grinding, it's a critical situation. This means the pad material is completely gone, and the metal backing plate is grinding against the rotor. This can quickly destroy your rotors, leading to a much more expensive repair.
- Vibration or Pulsing: If you feel a pulsing or vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel when you brake, it could mean your brake rotors are warped. This often happens alongside worn-out pads.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If you notice your Cherokee is taking longer to stop than it used to, your brake pads may be too worn to create enough friction.
Known Issues: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
The 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). While there are no widespread recalls directly for the brake pads, NHTSA has investigated issues with the EPB module on 2014-2020 models due to water intrusion, which could cause the parking brake to activate unexpectedly. This doesn't directly affect the brake pads themselves, but it highlights the electronic complexity of the rear brake system. When replacing rear brake pads, the EPB must be put into "Service Mode" using the vehicle's infotainment screen. Failing to do this before compressing the rear caliper pistons will cause damage.
🎬 Watch: How to safely enter Brake Service Mode on your Cherokee.Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
You don't have to buy expensive Mopar pads from the dealership. Aftermarket brands offer a wide range of options that often meet or exceed original equipment (OE) quality, sometimes for a lower price. They can be grouped into three main tiers.
Tier 1: Economy & Standard Replacement
These pads are designed to be affordable and provide similar performance to the original factory pads. They are a great choice for daily driving and commuting.
- Brands: Pronto, Dynamic Friction, Centric, Total Stopping Solutions, Wagner Brakes.
- Pros: Low cost, readily available.
- Cons: May not offer the same longevity, low-dust, or quiet performance as premium options. Some forum users warn against the cheapest "value-grade" pads, which can wear quickly and be noisy.
Tier 2: Premium & OEM-Equivalent
These are the most popular choice for Cherokee owners looking for a high-quality replacement without moving into aggressive performance territory. They focus on quiet operation, low brake dust, and consistent stopping power.
- Brands: Bosch, Akebono, Raybestos, Bendix.
- Details: Bosch QuietCast and Akebono ProACT pads are frequently recommended for their quiet performance and low dust. Forum discussions show a preference for Akebono as being very close to or better than OEM quality. These ceramic pads are excellent for the majority of Cherokee owners.
Pro Tip: Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
Most premium aftermarket pads for the Cherokee are ceramic. Ceramic pads are known for being quiet, producing less dust (which keeps your wheels cleaner), and offering a long service life for daily driving. Semi-metallic pads can offer better performance in extreme heat but are often noisier and dustier.
Tier 3: Performance & Heavy-Duty
If you use your Cherokee for towing, live in a mountainous area, or just want a significant upgrade in stopping power, these pads are for you. They are often made from carbon-fiber ceramic compounds.
- Brands: PowerStop, EBC Brakes, Brembo, Pagid.
- Details: PowerStop's Z23 and Z36 kits are very popular among Jeep owners for a noticeable improvement in braking performance. The Z36 Truck & Tow pads are especially suited for Cherokees that see heavy use. 🎬 See how the PowerStop Z36 upgrade performs on a Jeep. EBC Brakes, with their color-coded pad compounds like Greenstuff or Yellowstuff, offer another step-up for drivers wanting more bite. These performance pads may produce more dust or noise than premium ceramic options.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Brake Pad Set (per axle) | $38 - $131 |
| OEM (Mopar) Brake Pad Set (per axle) | $190 - $240 |
| Shop Labor (per axle) | $115 - $200 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Aftermarket, per axle) | $153 - $331 |
Note: Costs are estimates and can vary by location and vehicle configuration. Many shops recommend replacing or resurfacing brake rotors at the same time, which will increase the total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to replace my brake rotors with the pads?
It is highly recommended. Most modern shops will not just replace pads; they will replace or resurface the rotors. Installing new pads on old or warped rotors can cause noise, vibration, and uneven pad wear, reducing the effectiveness and life of your new pads. Many aftermarket brands like PowerStop and EBC offer convenient kits that include both pads and rotors.
How do I use the Brake Service Mode on my Cherokee?
On your Uconnect infotainment screen, go to 'Settings,' then 'Safety / Assistance,' and select 'Brakes.' From there, you can activate 'Brake Service Mode.' This retracts the electronic parking brake pistons, allowing you to safely remove the caliper and pads. You must follow the on-screen prompts to exit this mode after the job is complete.
Is it difficult to replace brake pads on a Jeep Cherokee myself?
For a DIYer with some experience, replacing the front pads is a straightforward job. The rear pads are more complex due to the Electronic Parking Brake. You must use the Brake Service Mode. If you are not comfortable with this procedure or don't have the right tools (like a torque wrench and caliper piston compressor), it's best to leave this job to a professional mechanic.
What is the difference between Mopar and aftermarket brake pads?
Mopar pads are the original equipment installed at the factory. They are designed for a balance of performance and comfort for the average driver. Aftermarket pads from reputable brands like Bosch, Akebono, or PowerStop can offer similar or specialized performance. For example, an Akebono pad might be quieter and produce less dust than the original Mopar pad, while a PowerStop pad will offer more stopping power. Often, premium aftermarket pads provide better value than OEM parts.
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Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 68052370AC
The 2013-2023 Jeep Cherokee (KL) features a four-wheel disc brake system. Front calipers are typically a two-piston design. The rear brakes are equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) that is integrated into the caliper. Different trim levels and model years may have different rotor sizes (e.g., 278mm or 320mm rear rotors), so verifying your specific vehicle configuration is essential when ordering parts.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Jeep Cherokee:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Signs Your Jeep Cherokee Needs New Brake Pads
- Known Issues: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Tier 1: Economy & Standard Replacement
- Tier 2: Premium & OEM-Equivalent
- Pro Tip: Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic
- Tier 3: Performance & Heavy-Duty
- Frequently Asked Questions
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