Experiencing annoying rear brake noise in your 2014 Jeep Compass? You’re not alone. Many owners of this model year have reported similar issues, often describing squeaking, grinding, or squealing sounds coming from the rear brakes. Dealerships sometimes offer generic solutions that don’t fully address the root cause. If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, understanding the problem and performing a simple DIY fix might be the answer to silencing those noisy rear brakes.
Understanding Rear Brake Noise in Your 2014 Jeep Compass
The 2014 Jeep Compass, like many vehicles, utilizes drum brakes in the rear. Drum brakes are a reliable system, but they can be prone to noise if not properly maintained. Several factors can contribute to rear brake noise in your Compass:
Common Causes of Rear Brake Noise
- Brake Dust Accumulation: Brake dust is a natural byproduct of brake shoe wear. Inside the enclosed drum brake system, this dust can build up over time. Excessive brake dust can cause friction and vibrations, leading to squeaking or grinding noises. This is often exacerbated in environments with stop-and-go traffic or dusty conditions.
- Dry or Unlubricated Brake Components: Within the drum brake assembly, there are numerous points of contact where metal components move against each other. These areas, such as the backing plate contact points, adjuster threads, and lever pivots, require lubrication to ensure smooth operation and prevent noise. Over time, factory lubrication can dry out or become contaminated, leading to friction and noise.
- Worn Brake Shoes or Drums: While less common as a sole cause of noise in moderately aged brakes, worn brake shoes or drums can certainly contribute. As the friction material on the brake shoes wears thin, or if the drums become excessively worn or out-of-round, noise can develop. However, in many cases, noise appears before the brakes are worn to the point of needing replacement.
- Glazed Brake Shoes or Drums: Overheating due to heavy braking can cause the brake shoe friction material or the drum surface to become glazed. This glazing creates a hard, smooth surface that reduces friction and can lead to squealing or grabbing noises.
Alt text: Exploded view diagram of a rear drum brake assembly, highlighting shoes, drum, springs, and other components.
DIY Fix: Cleaning and Lubricating Your 2014 Compass Rear Brakes
Often, addressing rear brake noise in a 2014 Jeep Compass can be as simple as cleaning and lubricating the drum brake components. This DIY procedure can save you time and money compared to dealership service.
Safety First & Tools You’ll Need
Safety is paramount when working on brakes. Ensure your vehicle is safely parked on a level surface, the parking brake is firmly engaged, and the wheels are properly chocked.
Tools you’ll need:
- Jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Socket wrench and appropriate socket for lug nuts
- Brake cleaner spray
- Brake lubricant (high-temperature brake grease)
- Wire brush
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Optional: Drum brake spring removal/installation tool (can make spring work easier)
Step-by-Step Cleaning and Lubrication Guide
- Safely Raise and Secure Your Vehicle: Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts. Using a jack, raise the rear of your Jeep Compass and securely support it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.
- Remove the Brake Drum: The brake drum may be held in place by friction or clips. Sometimes gently tapping the drum with a rubber mallet can help loosen it. If the drum is stuck, ensure the parking brake is fully released. If it’s still difficult, some drums have threaded holes that can be used with bolts to push the drum off (refer to your vehicle’s repair manual for specific instructions if needed). Avoid excessive force to prevent damage.
- Inspect the Brake Assembly: Once the drum is removed, you’ll see the brake shoes, springs, and other hardware. Note the amount of brake dust present. Inspect the brake shoes for wear – check the thickness of the friction material. Also, examine the brake drum inner surface for wear, scoring, or glazing.
- Clean Thoroughly: Using brake cleaner spray and a wire brush, thoroughly clean all components inside the drum brake assembly. Pay special attention to removing brake dust from the brake shoes, backing plate, springs, and adjuster mechanism. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear eye protection.
- Lubricate Contact Points: Apply a small amount of high-temperature brake lubricant to the following points:
- Backing plate contact points where the brake shoes slide.
- Adjuster screw threads.
- Parking brake lever and cable contact points.
- Any other points where metal parts move or contact each other within the assembly.
Be careful not to get any lubricant on the brake shoe friction material or the inner surface of the brake drum.
- Reassemble the Brakes: Carefully reinstall the brake drum. It should slide on relatively easily. Reinstall the wheels, tightening the lug nuts by hand initially.
- Lower the Vehicle and Torque Lug Nuts: Lower your Jeep Compass to the ground and torque the wheel lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque (refer to your owner’s manual).
- Test the Brakes: Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure the brake shoes are properly seated. Then, carefully test drive your vehicle in a safe area to check if the noise is gone.
Alt text: Close-up photo of a mechanic applying brake grease to the contact points of a drum brake assembly during servicing.
When to Seek Professional Help
While cleaning and lubricating the rear drum brakes is often effective for resolving noise issues, there are situations where professional diagnosis and repair are necessary:
- Persistent Noise After Cleaning and Lubrication: If the brake noise persists after you’ve thoroughly cleaned and lubricated the brakes, there may be underlying issues such as significantly worn brake shoes or drums, damaged components, or problems with the brake hardware.
- Signs of Brake Wear or Damage: If during your inspection, you notice that the brake shoes are excessively worn (close to the metal backing plate), the brake drums are deeply scored or damaged, or you see broken springs or other hardware, it’s time to replace these parts and potentially seek professional assistance, especially if you are not comfortable with more complex brake repairs.
- Unfamiliarity with Brake Systems: If you are not comfortable working on brake systems or unsure about any step in the process, it’s always best to consult a qualified mechanic. Brakes are a critical safety system, and proper repair is essential.
Conclusion
Rear brake noise in your 2014 Jeep Compass can often be resolved with a relatively simple DIY cleaning and lubrication procedure. By understanding the common causes of brake noise and following these steps, you can potentially silence those squeaky rear brakes and restore confident, quiet braking performance. However, always prioritize safety and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you encounter persistent issues or are uncomfortable performing the repair yourself.
