Rear brake shield

2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
186,750 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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STEELERDYNASTY
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My rear brake shields have rusted pretty substantially and will obviously only get much worse. i am coming across it because i am fixing my rear parking brake line and parking brake shoes. i am unsure about replacing the shoes now after looking a bit closer at my shields as they are essentially what the parking brake shoes will need to rest against.
i have been at the JY doing some part hunting and found that you have to remove everything down to the rear axle to get a new brake shield. (good learning experience. i am now confident and committed to doing my own brakes)
This all finally brings me to my question, assuming there is nothing wrong with my rear axle assembly, will removing it to replace the brake shields essentially create a problem that requires replacing some or all of the assembly?
Mar 30, 2018 at 6:41 PM
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STEVE W.
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The only thing you would want to do if you are pulling the axles would be to check the axle bearings for wear and replace the axle seals as you have the axles out. Nothing else (other than new oil) should be an issue.

It is possible to replace those without pulling the axle. You cut the two thin pieces open, remove the old ones, cut the new ones, install them and weld the cuts closed. But pulling the axles allows you to check the other parts.
Mar 30, 2018 at 9:08 PM
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STEELERDYNASTY
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So definitely replace the seals if i pull the axle? i will be back at the JY tomorrow to check out your other method.
Mar 30, 2018 at 9:50 PM
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STEVE W.
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Yep, If you're pulling the axles it is a good time to change the seals because they tend to harden with age and you will be right there anyway. If you opt for splitting the shield you won't be able to change the seals. It depends on how much time/money you wish to spend.
Mar 31, 2018 at 11:49 PM
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STEELERDYNASTY
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so is this what i need? it's listed as a rear wheel bearing. and the way to remove the old one is the use a drill press and then cut it off somehow? Not looking forward to that part of the project.
Apr 1, 2018 at 12:58 PM
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STEVE W.
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Those and the axle seal itself. It sounds bad but the ring on top is the item you drill into, then hit it with a chisel to split it and take it off.
Check the axle tag before you order parts Jeep used a couple rear ends in those.
Apr 1, 2018 at 2:58 PM