Problem stopping on wet pavement

[Henchman]

I have a 1997 TJ, and have an issue with it skidding on wet pavement.
When I apply the brakes, they seem to work ok, but then lock up when they get to a certain point, and the Jeep skids like it's on ice.

No issues on dry pavement, only when it's wet. I thought it may have been the tires, and replaced them, but it didn't help. Anyone else had this problem?

 

[macleanflood]

Air pressure? What tires are you running?

-Mac

 

[LONGJP2]

What tires?
Were the new ones the same as the old ones?

 

[Rickyd]

Which tires lock up first? Front or back?

 

[interface]

My 2005 doesn't have antilock brakes either. My brand new 35's resolved the issue completely, although I know exactly what you're talking about. I think for me it was going from 33" to 35" that fixed it.

 

[Rubiconned]

My 2005 doesn't have antilock brakes either. My brand new 35's resolved the issue completely, although I know exactly what you're talking about. I think for me it was going from 33" to 35" that fixed it.

Probably has little to do with the tread and everything to do with the brakes diminished ability to lock up heavier rotating wheels.

 

[steelhd]

It's your tires.

 

[JMT]

I have a 1997 TJ, and have an issue with it skidding on wet pavement.
When I apply the brakes, they seem to work ok, but then lock up when they get to a certain point, and the Jeep skids like it's on ice.

No issues on dry pavement, only when it's wet. I thought it may have been the tires, and replaced them, but it didn't help. Anyone else had this problem?

I did have this problem with GY Wrangler MTR’s. It cleared up when I switched to Cooper STT Pro’s. It’s good that you can lock the brakes up. Most TJ’s don’t have antilock brakes. It could be the tires, but that’s an expensive experiment.

 

[Henchman]

Air pressure? What tires are you running?

-Mac

33" Good Year Territory at 40psi. That's what the shop said to run them at.
The old tires were 31" Michelins at 35 psi.

 

[Henchman]

I did have this problem with GY Wrangler MTR’s. It cleared up when I switched to Cooper STT Pro’s. It’s good that you can lock the brakes up. Most TJ’s don’t have antilock brakes. It could be the tires, but that’s an expensive experiment.

I had 31" Michelins, and went to 33" Good Years.

 

[Henchman]

Which tires lock up first? Front or back?

I think the rear wheels are locking up. It's OK as I'm applying the brakes, then seems to suddenly lock up

 

[Henchman]

What tires?
Were the new ones the same as the old ones?

Went from 31" Michelins to 33" Good Years.

 

[LONGJP2]

33" Good Year Territory at 40psi. That's what the shop said to run them at.
The old tires were 31" Michelins at 35 psi.

I was going to mention siping (if it's an MT), but it looks to have plenty.
Lowering your air pressure will add traction and should reduce lockups.
More comfortable ride too.
I run my 33s at 26.

 

[LONGJP2]

I think the rear wheels are locking up. It's OK as I'm applying the brakes, then seems to suddenly lock up

Are you running light in the rear?
Soft top & no rear seat for example.

 

[interface]

Probably has little to do with the tread and everything to do with the brakes diminished ability to lock up heavier rotating wheels.

I've been wondering if it were a pressure spot somehow and if I'm just hitting the brakes harder with the bigger tires now and going past the force that used to cause it. The weird thing is that it doesn't do it in dirt or on dirt roads...which is sometimes slicker than wet pavement.

 

[machoheadgames]

33" Good Year Territory at 40psi. That's what the shop said to run them at.
The old tires were 31" Michelins at 35 psi.

Way overinflated. Put them to about 22-23 psi. Stock is 30” at 29 psi. A 33” needs significantly less pressure due to being a stronger, higher capacity tire.

My info is based on a calculator adjusting for the new tire size being 33x12.5 based on the old. That is about as accurate as you can possibly get without knowing more info.

It would help to provide the exact size and load range you bought. Goodyear doesn’t make an official “33” size for that tire that I can see, so my numbers are somewhat of a guess. Metric and LT metric are load calcs different than the flotation tires like 30x9.5 or 33x12.5.

 

[AndyG]

40 psi is waaaay high for a TJ- Remember the big tires that go on a 8-10,000 pound truck dont’t need so much air for a 4,200 lb. TJ.

 

[macleanflood]

33" Good Year Territory at 40psi. That's what the shop said to run them at.
The old tires were 31" Michelins at 35 psi.

As stated, way high. I run my 35s at 28 psi. And they're C rated.

Are your tires C or D?

-Mac

 

[JMT]

No more than 26psi on a 33" tire

 

[Rickyd]

I think the rear wheels are locking up. It's OK as I'm applying the brakes, then seems to suddenly lock up

If the rear really is locking up first I would look for gear oil leaking onto the pads or shoes. Gear oil makes your brakes grab really hard.

And as everyone is saying,you run less pressure in larger tires.