light on the instrument panel advises my rear brakes are gone

Hi,

Replacing the rear brake pads and rotors isn't too hard to do. Just make sure to get a lifetime pad so you don't have to pay for them again in the future.

You can expect rear brake pads to last approximately 30,000 miles. However, that will change based on driving habits and terrain.

To get you started, here is a link that explains in general how it is done. You can use this as a guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-rear-brake-pads-and-rotors

Also, here is a video showing the procedure being done on a Dodge Nitro. Although it is a different model vehicle, the procedure is similar.

https://youtu.be/GwU7nfBaRr0

If you look at the attachments below, they provide the directions specific to your vehicle for rear brake pad and rotor replacement.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

My vehicle all of the sudden started popping the front the bakes. What is wrong with my car?

Good evening,

I posted below the procedure for the rotors. I also attached a guide for replacing the pads.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-rear-brake-pads-and-rotors

Please add a video of the noise so I can hear what you hear.

Roy

REAR ROTORS

REMOVAL


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1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the caliper slide bolts (4).


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4. Remove caliper (1).
5. Secure caliper assembly (1) to nearby suspension part with wire. Do not allow brake hose to support caliper weight.


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6. Remove and discard the O-ring (2) securing rotor (1) to axle studs.
7. Remove rotor (1) off axle studs.

I only have 36,000 miles on my Jeep and the dealer has told me my rear brakes pads need to be replaced and the rotors turned. This seems like low mileage for the brakes to already be wearing out. Is this a normal repair for a vehicle with this level of miles>

If you have rear disc brakes, yes it is normal. However, if you are not getting a vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal, I don't recommend cutting the rotors. Just ask them to scuff any glaze off them with emery paper.


Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

Rear caliper bolts will not tighten all the way. There is about a 1/16 left showing on the bolt. I asked a friend who is a tool and die man if I cross threded the bolts he says no. They seem to long, could they have streched ?

The bolts are also the slides that the caliper moves on. They should only be threaded so far. If the thread is bottomed out, it should be fine. Also, if you can take a picture and upload it for me to see, I would feel more comfortable seeing it.

Let me know, and thanks for using 2carpros.com.

Joe

I'm having trouble the rear drums

You may need to back off on the starwheel adjuster, remove the rubber plug on the back side, then use either a brake spoon, or a screwdriver, and a small pick or very small thin screwdriver, find the adjuster lever, and push it in, this will allow you to turn the star adjuster to loosen the adjustment, this is done to let the shoes retract enough to clear the rust ridge on the inside of the drum. Also you can try prying it off with two large screwdrivers or prybars...if it seems stuck on the center part, use a hammer to loosen it up!

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/rear_brake_shoes.htm